LeBron James has always been known as a cerebral player, and he made sure to let Ja Morant and co know that he’s onto their tracks.
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When God decided to send LeBron James on the planet, he probably couldn’t have concocted a better physical specimen for basketball. At 6’9″, 260 pounds and faster than anyone on the court, James has been a walking cheat code since forever.
What makes it even more amazing is the fact that the NBA’s best athletic specimen might also be it’s most intelligent. LeBron has repeatedly shown his ability to adapt his game in adversity and change his style of play.
On top of that, his decision-making as a half-court offensive player has always been optimal. Very rarely do we see James being unable to take care of a mismatch or a double-team. He’s perhaps the best reader in the game even today, though the likes of Jokic are up there as well.
Above all, James has a memory bank that allows him to draw on wisdom from all the basketball that he’s ever watched or been a part of, and use it to his team’s advantage.
His amaing basketball IQ definitely gives him an edge over practically over other GOAT candidate.
LeBron James drops a neat scouting report on Ja Morant, Grizzlies in 1 minute
LeBron James was up to his usual tricks during the Lakers’ pre-game press conference ahead of their first game against Memphis. The 19-time All-Star showed his familiarity with his opponents as he succinctly listed their strengths one-by-one:
“(They’re) a really good team, very well-coached. Very well-balanced, obviously the head of the snake is Ja Morant. But another All-Star in Jaren Jackson (Jr) is there, Defensive Player of the Year. Offensively he’s dynamic as well.”
“Tyus Jones, the point guard off the bench has led the league in assists-to-turnover ratio for the last 6 years. So he complements them very well.”
“Desmond Bane, I’m thinking about him, even though he’s a 2nd or 3rd-year player, he plays like a veteran. Very good from the 3-point line…Dillon Brooks…you can’t disrespect him because he makes shots.”
He also complimented Luke Kennard for breaking LeBron James’ high school scoring record for most points in Ohio basketball history. Overall, he seems to definitely know where the Grizzlies are a threat to his Lakers.
What are the Lakers’ chances against Memphis?
This year’s Lakers are unlike most other 7th seeds in Western Conference history. We should remember that the last time LeBron and AD were both fully fit, the Lakers won their 17th NBA championship. They undoubtedly have a great advantage in playoff-vettedness.
However, the Grizzlies are definitely no slouches on their own. They have a great home record and have 3 great young talents on the come-up. Unfortunately for them, though, they are missing size in their lineup due to the injury-enforced absences of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke.
Overall, there’s a reason why the oddsmakers have handed the Lakers a slight edge in winning the series. It will definitely be a mouth-watering watch.
