The Golden State Warriors and LeBron James are facing off again, years after the two sides faced off in the NBA Finals. This time, “King James” is doing so as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and while filling a different role than what he had in previous matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James didn’t have his most efficient performance in the Lakers’ 117-112 win over the Warriors in Game 1, but he was still a significant factor. He finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks but did so while shooting 9-24 from the floor and 1-8 from 3-point range.
During a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the Warriors star explained how James is spending more time off the ball, which strongly differs from his approach during the team’s previous playoff matchups.
“LeBron is playing a totally different style, a totally different game than we’ve ever seen him play before,” Green said. “And it’s interesting figuring it out. You’re not used to seeing LeBron off the ball so much. And so, I thought that was interesting and something that we’ll have to adjust to.
“It’s just not your typical LeBron running the show, which is a bit weird.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
James will naturally gain opportunities to take open catch-and-shoot jumpers by spending more time off the ball. Given that he isn’t a knockdown shooter, the Warriors will likely live with him taking those looks. There is a layer that goes beyond that for the Lakers to exploit.
The best opportunities for the Lakers come when someone else can force nail help for James to attack off the catch, forcing the Warriors to make split-second decisions in help. With a relief option like Anthony Davis in position for a dropoff pass, it’s especially challenging to account for James while staying in position to recover.
As the series progresses, James could see more opportunities to attack out of a second-side action like a ball screen to prevent the Warriors from loading up on him. Golden State likes to overload the strong side by pre-rotating help, making the typical high usage, high ball screen approach challenging to execute. The game is simpler otherwise.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors will need to determine how much they want to be committing help when James is spacing one pass away. Is it more advantageous to allow someone like Dennis Schroder or Austin Reaves to keep attacking and try to hold your own deep on the drive, or risk a go and catch from James? These are the micro-decisions that make a great series.
When the Memphis Grizzlies did favor staying home more on James when he was off-ball in favor of loading up on pick-and-rolls by another initiator, they ended up getting picked apart by Reaves. With Davis as a screener, the alternative threats will likely see neutral defensive coverages to attack.
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