Lakers: How LeBron James should attack Kawhi Leonard

Solutions

What can LeBron James do to combat all this? It’s pretty simple: let some more threes fly, particularly earlier in the game. Of James’ 6.3 long-range attempts per game, only 1.0 have come in the 1st quarter. He understandably wants to ease into the game and get others involved, but it’s possible putting pressure on the defense from the get-go is the best approach. Perhaps he’ll miss the first few, but this should enable him to warm up and knock shots down later on.

There’s evidence that it takes LeBron a few shots to get going, evidenced by his 3-point shooting by quarter (below). This trend carried over to the Clippers game, where James was 0-2 in the 1st half and 2-5 in the 2nd.

1Q: 1.0 (33.9 percent)

2Q: 1.3 (32.1 percent)

3Q: 1.7 (36.4 percent)

4Q: 2.4 (35.6 percent)

It can be a bit jarring for any player to see someone go way under a screen. Decisiveness, therefore, seems to be key when executing these shots. LeBron showcased this decisiveness on a couple of occasions against the Clippers.

Below, notice both Leonard going under the screens AND LeBron’s lack of hesitation. At least one of the below appears to be a set play, which could be beneficial in producing this decisiveness. When Kawhi goes under screens with LeBron as the ball-handler (like an earlier clip), it’s more challenging to summon an immediate jumper (not an in rhythm catch-and-shoot look that can be anticipated).

Along with taking advantage of open jumpers, there are plenty of other ways for LeBron to attack Kawhi and the Clippers. First off, Leonard isn’t always guarding him. But even when he is, there are mechanisms beyond basic screens that can be used to free James from Kawhi (basic screens less effective when Kawhi goes under them).

The Lakers found some success using two screeners. Notice that Kawhi is forced to abandon LeBron on each possession below.

But even when Kawhi can’t be freed from LeBron, options still remain. James remains an unstoppable force in transition, and when he gets a full head of steam, ducking under screens becomes a less effective strategy.

When transition opportunities are hard to come by, there is yet another option. LeBron needs to be more confident simply taking Kawhi on in isolation. Leonard might be a great defender, but James is bigger, stronger and capable of winning these matchups. He makes the below look pretty easy.

Conclusion

If the Lakers and Clippers face off in the conference finals, every adjustment will be key. The Clippers will make it difficult for LeBron to get to the basket, something Kawhi’s defensive approach will make even more challenging.

In response, LeBron needs to take advantage of the open looks provided, firing away confidently from downtown. He’s a good enough shooter to make the Clippers pay and send their defense scrambling to adjust.

Along with launching jumpers, the Lakers can use different screens to get Kawhi off LeBron and take advantage of transition opportunities. And when these aren’t options, James should be less hesitant to go right at Kawhi.

Overall, the Lakers are in a great spot. To beat the Clippers in a seven-game series, however, LeBron will likely have to be a bit better than he’s been in the four prior matchups. These adjustments could help the cause.

(Credit to NBA for statistics and NBA and House of Highlights for GIFS)