Lakers: How LeBron James should attack Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has consistently guarded LeBron James the same way. If their teams meet in the postseason, LeBron may have to make the proper adjustments.

With the best record in the Western Conference and a recent victory against arguably their biggest threat in the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers are undeniably in a great spot. Their LA nemesis remains a very real obstacle, however. If the two meet in the Conference Finals, some adjustments may be required to come out on top.

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is the heavy favorite to win the MVP, one can still reasonably argue the real MVP plays for the Lakers: LeBron James. The King hasn’t been at his best in the four matchups (2-2) against the Clippers this season, however.

Struggles vs. Clippers

Averaging 21.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists while shooting 83.3 percent from the line doesn’t sound so bad (25.4, 8.0, 10.4, 69.8 percent season averages), but LeBron has really struggled from the field. He’s shot only 36.7 percent overall and 23.3 percent on 7.5 long-range attempts per game (49.6 and 34.9 percent respectively on the season)

Some of these issues can likely be attributed to Kawhi Leonard’s stingy defense. Leonard is regarded as one of the better defenders in the league and has a track record of guarding LeBron fairly well (the King probably agrees).

Given that James is so dangerous attacking the basket, teams generally try to bait him into settling for jumpers. But given LeBron’s progression as a shooter over his career, this approach far from neutralizes him. He’s seen and thwarted these defensive strategies countless times.

Leonard, however, often takes this approach to an extreme level – going WAY under screens. Whether it be their most recent matchup or Game 7 of the 2013 Finals, his defense looks rather similar.