This GIF shows why Lebron lacks the best skillset

[3ball]

.
Lebron has a 6-footer on him and a great chance for a legendary game-winner, but he isn't aggressive and doesn't pull-up to shoot over him:


https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-18-2019/tBDdtZ.gif


He doesn't even square up in an offensive/triple-threat stance - instead, he pretends the little Curry has him off-balance - this is what brain-f*ucked/panic choking looks like...

His fans will say that he's waiting on a cutter in that GIF - but the defense is waiting on that same cutter because he isn't in the proper offensive stance, so it's clear he won't make an offensive move and is looking to pass - that isn't"genius", or skilled - it's telegraphing/lower skill level.

Ultimately, it's a skill deficit because he doesn't know what to do from a pre-dribble, stationary position (triple-threat position), so he freezes here and chokes.

here's what he should've done - any of these would've worked:


https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-18-2019/NKp--8.gif..

https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-11-2015/4zBlRb.gif..

https://i.makeagif.com/media/10-01-2015/V2-pAN.gif.

https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-19-2019/NinG43.gif

https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-08-2015/nclHcJ.gif


But that ^^^ requires great skill from the triple-threat and an aggressive mindset - no live dribble - it's a set of footwork and a way of playing that Lebron lacks, which is why he isn't capable of a game-winner on the championship level
.

[Turbo Slayer]

Basketball aside, answer me this 3ball: how's your day going 3ball?

My day is going alright. I got a vanilla ice cream and currently eating it at 9 PM at night. Pretty cool.

Hi 3ball.

[MrFonzworth]

9-1

[Turbo Slayer]

9-1 trolling aside, my rankings are:

1# MJ
2# KAJ
3#LBJ

3ball is an underrated poster and stomped down by many but he consistently works hard on his poster craft. For your hard work, imma give this thread 5 stars. :rockon:

Yay 3ball. :banana:

[Turbo Slayer]

5 star: Excellent

[FKAri]

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/987/691/64a.jpg

[3ball]

trolling aside, my rankings are:

1# MJ
2# KAJ
3#LBJ

3ball is an underrated poster and stomped down by many but he consistently works hard on his poster craft. For your hard work, imma give this thread 5 stars. :rockon:

Yay 3ball. :banana:


Lebron needs to win a non-ready-made ring to be legit to me

his Heat and Cavs teams from 2011 and 2015 were pre-season and pre-playoffs favorites to win it all in year 1 of existence - so he needs to build a champion in some kind of way for me, for sort like how Kobe needed to win without Shaq..

Ultimately, it's a knock on his game that he plays an overly ball-dominant style that doesn't develop good teamwork or teammates (they become spot-up guys), and therefore needs a bunch of ready-made stars to win... And even then he's still 3/9 and fielding 51-win underdogs with prime Kyrie/Love and a smorgasbord of shooters that get destroyed in the Finals because of the aforementioned inferior brand..

So no, I don't have him #3 like you.. I put him below Bird - he was a better pure basketball player - better combination of shooting/passing/rebounding, and other things like posting and high ratio of stats to time of possession (time with the ball in the player's hands (https://stats.nba.com/players/touches/?Season=2014-15&SeasonType=Playoffs&PORound=4&sort=TIME_OF_POSS&dir=1)).

[warriorfan]

I

[Turbo Slayer]

Lebron needs to win a non-ready-made ring to be legit to me

his Heat and Cavs teams from 2011 and 2015 were pre-season and pre-playoffs favorites to win it all in year 1 of existence - so he needs to build a champion in some kind of way for me, for sort like how Kobe needed to win without Shaq..

Ultimately, it's a knock on his game that he plays an overly ball-dominant style that doesn't develop good teamwork or teammates (they become spot-up guys), and therefore needs a bunch of ready-made stars to win... And even then he's still 3/9 and fielding 51-win underdogs with prime Kyrie/Love and a smorgasbord of shooters that get destroyed in the Finals because of the aforementioned inferior brand..

So no, I don't have him #3 like you.. I put him below Bird - he was a better pure basketball player - better combination of shooting/passing/rebounding, and other things like posting and high ratio of stats to time of possession (time with the ball in the player's hands (https://stats.nba.com/players/touches/?Season=2014-15&SeasonType=Playoffs&PORound=4&sort=TIME_OF_POSS&dir=1)).

Say what you will about Lebron's 12' and 13' rings, but I do believe that the 16' ring Lebron and the Cavs got was legit. They came back from 3-1 in the Finals.
Before Lebron and the Cavs won the Finals, they had no chance of winning from 3-1 deficit.

Record: 0-32. After Cavs won: 1-32. This why Lebron is in my top 3. I

I respect your opinion 3ball, and man that ice cream was delicious! What was the last meal you ate 3ball?

[3ball]

[QUOTE=warriorfan]I

[Turbo Slayer]

Exactly.. it was total BS because lebron is telegraphing that he will pass it on that play - he clearly isn't going to shoot it, so the defense anticipates and disrupts the pass

And he can't just rise up and shoot it because he lacks the skill - I've never seen him rise up and shoot like that except a 1-off on rare occasion.. generally, his one-dribble-pull-up and turnaround are garbage compared to MJ/Kobe/Bird - he can't seemlessly rely on them when they're needed (in the clutch) Ever heard of the ''LeBronto'' game? This man was hitting fadeaways! But I admit that Lebron can't rely his pull-up and fadeaway in the clutch.

[superduper]

ISH has a 6 picture limit solely to stop 3ball from eviscerating niccas with that GIF ether

[scuzzy]

just another example why it's impossible to double Lebron


he'll rip laser precision overhead passes to cutters blindfolded


lucky Klay was there to get away with the hook foul on Hill, easy 2 piece

[3ball]

Say what you will about Lebron's 12' and 13' rings, but I do believe that the 16' ring Lebron and the Cavs got was legit. They came back from 3-1 in the Finals.
Before Lebron and the Cavs won the Finals, they had no chance of winning from 3-1 deficit.

Record: 0-32. After Cavs won: 1-32. This why Lebron is in my top 3. I

I respect your opinion 3ball, and man that ice cream was delicious! What was the last meal you ate 3ball?
He had so much help though, so he wasn't overcoming any talent deficit - his 2nd option demolished their 1st option, so lebron only had to outplay Klay - Kyrie took out their top guy already

More importantly, he lost with Kyrie's 29 ppg in 2017 - MJ would've won with that because the best help he ever lost with was pippen's 19 on 41% in the 95' ECSF (baseball year)... If we include woolridge, it's his 20 on 50% in the 85' 1st Rd (MJ's rookie year).. outside of MJ's baseball year and rookie year, the best help he lost with was Pippen's 16 on 42% in the 90' ECF (pip migraine) and woolridge's 21 on 40% in the 86' 1st Rd.. So it's clear thatJ didn't lose when he got any decent help at all..

The reason MJ won with so much less was because he leveraged his teammates' points better to put better pressure on the opponents defense and wear them down more - a confused/worn down defense is less likely to get hot offensively and MJ's ball movement style wore down defenses better than Lebron/Kyrie's "my turn your turn" approach.. heck, MJ won many series with Pippen getting 15 on 33-40%, including a couple Finals, while Lebron's "my-turn-your-turn" loses with 29 ppg from Kyrie.. clearly, mj's technique is more effective at leveraging teammates

Ultimately,vMJ's off-ball skillset yields more powerful teams because ball movement has always gotten better looks for teammates than 1 guy dominating the ball in the half court... accordingly, skillsets that allow ball movement (Curry, MJ, Bird) will yield the best teams given equal casts, coaching smarts, and #1 option statistical output..

[Turbo Slayer]

He had so much help though, so he wasn't overcoming any talent deficit - his 2nd option demolished their 1st option, so lebron only had to outplay Klay - Kyrie took out their top guy already

More importantly, he lost with Kyrie's 29 ppg in 2017 - MJ would've won with that because the best help he ever lost with was pippen's 19 on 41% in the 95' ECSF (baseball year)... If we include woolridge, it's his 20 on 50% in the 85' 1st Rd (MJ's rookie year).. outside of MJ's baseball year and rookie year, the best help he lost with was Pippen's 16 on 42% in the 90' ECF (pip migraine) and woolridge's 21 on 40% in the 86' 1st Rd.. So it's clear thatJ didn't lose when he got any decent help at all..

The reason MJ won with so much less was because he leveraged his teammates' points better to put better pressure on the opponents defense and wear them down more - a confused/worn down defense is less likely to get hot offensively and MJ's ball movement style wore down defenses better than Lebron/Kyrie's "my turn your turn" approach.. heck, MJ won many series with Pippen getting 15 on 33-40%, including a couple Finals, while Lebron's "my-turn-your-turn" loses with 29 ppg from Kyrie.. clearly, mj's technique is more effective at leveraging teammates

Ultimately,vMJ's off-ball skillset yields more powerful teams because ball movement has always gotten better looks for teammates than 1 guy dominating the ball in the half court... accordingly, skillsets that allow ball movement (Curry, MJ, Bird) will yield the best teams given equal casts, coaching smarts, and #1 option statistical output..

Nice response 3ball. You got me sold on Lebron's inferior skillset. You convinced me that Lebron not the GOAT and never will be. But I think my list includes Lebron being at #3. #1 Jordan #2 KAJ #3 LBJ

I wish people respected you as a poster and as a human being. I am 14 years old so I think it's common for people to rank their childhood hero higher than others. You convinced me that Bron Bron has an inferior skillset compared to MJ.

You are legend 3ball sir! :bowdown: :cheers:

[Turbo Slayer]

I feel that so many Bron haters say that he's not clutch. In the playoffs, he hit 5 buzzer-beaters, 2 more then what MJ did.

I'm not discrediting MJ as if he is not the GOAT or some stuff like that 3ball. Nah. I'm just putting out there that Lebron is clutch and any people that say that Bron isn't clutch is just flat-out lying to themselves.

[superduper]

I feel that so many Bron haters say that he's not clutch. In the playoffs, he hit 5 buzzer-beaters, 2 more then what MJ did.

I'm not discrediting MJ as if he is not the GOAT or some stuff like that 3ball. Nah. I'm just putting out there that Lebron is clutch and any people that say that Bron isn't clutch is just flat-out lying to themselves.

He is now clutch. He didn't used to be.

[Turbo Slayer]

He is now clutch. He didn't used to be. hi superduper! You can call me Turbo for short.

Cheers! :cheers:

[3ball]

I'm not discrediting MJ as if he is not the GOAT or some stuff like that 3ball. Nah. I'm just putting out there that Lebron is clutch and any people that say that Bron isn't clutch is just flat-out lying to themselves.



He isn't clutch compared to MJ - even old MJ had much better efficiency in the clutch, on 20% more attempts .. :eek: ... :yaohappy:...:dancin:


Playoff shots in last 5 minutes, within 5 points, since 2001



134-323 for Lebron.. 41.4%
108 games.. 3.0 attempts per game

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/shot_finder.cgi?request=1&match=play&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&is_playoffs=Y&q4=Y&q5=Y&time_remain_minutes=5&time_remain_seconds=0&time_remain_comp=le&margin_min=-5&margin_max=5&player_id=jamesle01&order_by=date_game



Jordan 1997 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 20-39.. 51.3% (11 games)
Jordan 1998 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 22-50.. 44.0% (14 games)

42-89 for MJ.. 47.2%
25 games.. 3.6 attempts per game


Old MJ had much higher clutch efficiency and attempts than Lebron - the goat in tight games






I feel that so many Bron haters say that he's not clutch. In the playoffs, he hit 5 buzzer-beaters, 2 more then what MJ did.


His game-winner frequency is low compared to MJ - he needed a lot more games

And how many clutch shots in the Finals? (go-ahead shots, game winners or game-tie'ers)?

Zero for Lebron, while MJ is 4-8... So it's a blowout when you consider magnitude of the winner

Most importantly, MJ destroys Lebron in overall clutch stats (stats late in tight games) - the more you start moving out (last 10 seconds, last 24 seconds (https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-08-2019/eY2j3S.gif), last 2 min, etc), MJ starts to take a massive lead in clutch stats... see the post above
.

[AirBonner]

what does this image show us OP?
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54aac868e4b00f7c5fbf0a24/t/555232bfe4b02fc9d3e674cc/1431450316425/

[3ball]

what does this image show us OP?
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54aac868e4b00f7c5fbf0a24/t/555232bfe4b02fc9d3e674cc/1431450316425/



^^^ It shows the dangers of judging by a small sample, and if you increase the sample size a bit (last 24 seconds), MJ's superior clutch becomes more clear:


https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-08-2019/eY2j3S.gif



And if you look at the largest sample size (last 5 min of tight game), MJ's advantage looks nice and clear, even as an old man - its VERY RARE to see this kind of clear separation at the very top of any profession:


Playoff shots in last 5 minutes, within 5 points, since 2001



134-323 for Lebron.. 41.4%
108 games.. 3.0 attempts per game

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/shot_finder.cgi?request=1&match=play&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&is_playoffs=Y&q4=Y&q5=Y&time_remain_minutes=5&time_remain_seconds=0&time_remain_comp=le&margin_min=-5&margin_max=5&player_id=jamesle01&order_by=date_game



Jordan 1997 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 20-39.. 51.3% (11 games)
Jordan 1998 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 22-50.. 44.0% (14 games)

42-89 for MJ.. 47.2%
25 games.. 3.6 attempts per game


Old MJ had much higher clutch efficiency and attempts than Lebron - the goat in tight games

[AirBonner]

^^^ It shows the dangers of judging by a small sample, and if you increase the sample size a bit (last 24 seconds), MJ's superior clutch becomes more clear:


https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-08-2019/eY2j3S.gif



And if you look at the largest sample size (last 5 min of tight game), MJ's advantage looks nice and clear, even as an old man - its VERY RARE to see this kind of clear separation at the very top of any profession:


Playoff shots in last 5 minutes, within 5 points, since 2001



134-323 for Lebron.. 41.4%
108 games.. 3.0 attempts per game

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/shot_finder.cgi?request=1&match=play&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&is_playoffs=Y&q4=Y&q5=Y&time_remain_minutes=5&time_remain_seconds=0&time_remain_comp=le&margin_min=-5&margin_max=5&player_id=jamesle01&order_by=date_game



Jordan 1997 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 20-39.. 51.3% (11 games)
Jordan 1998 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 22-50.. 44.0% (14 games)

42-89 for MJ.. 47.2%
25 games.. 3.6 attempts per game


Old MJ had much higher clutch efficiency and attempts than Lebron - the goat in tight games
24 seconds :oldlol: the last 5 seconds of the game is the most critical time. You literally HAVE to make it. No 2nd chances.

[3ball]

24 seconds :oldlol: the last 5 seconds of the game is the most critical time. You literally HAVE to make it. No 2nd chances.
Nearly half of MJ's are in the championship; none of Lebron's are

:sleeping

[Ainosterhaspie]

Airball with another BS thread.

https://youtu.be/soXYntMDQec
https://youtu.be/igcoVv8p6v8

[Session]

Disrespectful thread about the real GOAT.

King James has one of the best NBA IQs. A true leader knows which is the best way to win.

In the gif play, The Chosen is smart enough to see a teammate alone under the hoop. It is easier to pass the ball to make a simple basket than try an isolation play from the three point line.

Only a hater can discuss this situation :confusedshrug:

LeBron is going to be the first player to achieve plus 30.000 points, plus 10.000 rebounds, plus 10.000 assists. Something out of capabilities of other legendary players.

[3ball]

Disrespectful thread about the real GOAT.

King James has one of the best NBA IQs. A true leader knows which is the best way to win.

In the gif play, The Chosen is smart enough to see a teammate alone under the hoop. It is easier to pass the ball to make a simple basket than try an isolation play from the three point line.

Only a hater can discuss this situation :confusedshrug:

LeBron is going to be the first player to achieve plus 30.000 points, plus 10.000 rebounds, plus 10.000 assists. Something out of capabilities of other legendary players.


^^^ Yeah but how many rings?

At some point the career totals argument (and Finals appearances argument) works against you if you aren't winning championships.. 3 rings in 17 years and counting starts to raise flags about how effective his technique was.. the longer he plays without winning chips starts to make my point about his flawed style of ball-dominance/low ball movement, which includes his lack of clutch or skill without a live dribble shown in the OP

[RRR3]

OP will poop his pants if LeBron wins this year.

[SouBeachTalents]

^^^ Yeah but how many rings?

At some point the career totals argument (and Finals appearances argument) works against you if you aren't winning championships.. 3 rings in 17 years and counting starts to raise flags about how effective his technique was.. the longer he plays without winning chips starts to make my point about his flawed style of ball-dominance/low ball movement, which includes his lack of clutch or skill without a live dribble shown in the OP
Damn, 3ball resorting to Kobe stan rangz arguments. How the mighty have fallen :oldlol:

[ArbitraryWater]

well bron did everything the prior 5 mins before that


that + the charge taken away, probably for one possession needed someone else to do something as he lacked the energy for a J

[3ball]

Damn, 3ball resorting to Kobe stan rangz arguments. How the mighty have fallen :oldlol:
Huh?

I used the rangz argument after the OP explained why he doesn't/can't win more - see thread title... :hammerhead:

[Phenith]

what does this image show us OP?
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54aac868e4b00f7c5fbf0a24/t/555232bfe4b02fc9d3e674cc/1431450316425/

This shows us LBJ doesn't like taking the last shot... he has played like twice as much NBA basketball as MJ, yet he's taken less of these shots?

[ILLsmak]

He didn't have to chunk the ball out of bounds but the only option he had was a no dribble pull up with someone on him

-Smak

[3ball]

.
Playoff shots in last 5 minutes, within 5 points, since 2001



134-323 for Lebron.. 41.4%
108 games.. 3.0 attempts per game

https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/shot_finder.cgi?request=1&match=play&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&is_playoffs=Y&q4=Y&q5=Y&time_remain_minutes=5&time_remain_seconds=0&time_remain_comp=le&margin_min=-5&margin_max=5&player_id=jamesle01&order_by=date_game



Jordan 1997 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 20-39.. 51.3% (11 games)
Jordan 1998 Playoffs (https://stats.nba.com/players/clutch-traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Playoffs&PerMode=Totals):. 22-50.. 44.0% (14 games)

42-89 for MJ.. 47.2%
25 games.. 3.6 attempts per game







This shows us LBJ doesn't like taking the last shot... he has played like twice as much NBA basketball as MJ, yet he's taken less of these shots?



NBA.com and basketball-reference defines "clutch time" as being within 5 points in the last 5 minutes - these stats are shown above for Lebron and MJ

In Lebron's entire playoff career (239 games), he had 108 games where he took a clutch shot attempt (45% of games), while MJ had 25 such games in just 2 playoff runs (63% of games).. MJ had a higher frequency of games where he took clutch shots because he was the Bulls' only closer, while Wade and Kyrie often closed for Lebron.

Furthermore, in those games where Lebron attempted a clutch shot, he attempted 3.0 per game at 41.7%, compared to 3.6 at 47.2% for old MJ - so old MJ had a FAR greater clutch burden than Lebron (higher frequency of games where he took clutch shots, and 20% more attempts on better efficiency in those games)
.

[TheMan]

Also, look at the spacing between LeBron's gif and MJ's gif. In LeBron's, there is a ton of space, even with KD shading towards him, if LeBron was aggressive in that sequence, he could've gotten a clean look a little above the free throw line (Curry isn't doing anything vs a much bigger and stronger LeBron) or he could've set up KD's man for a clean look at a three. Instead he tries to pass to a cutter, an easily defended play because he telegraphed his intentions.

In MJ's gifs, defenders are close to the lane, yet MJ finds a way to get a shot off, in heavy traffic too...

GOAT

[TheMan]

He didn't have to chunk the ball out of bounds but the only option he had was a no dribble pull up with someone on him

-Smak
A midget in Curry on him, it would be like an uncontested jumper around the free throw line on one dribble. Curry isn't doing anything to stop that, not like it's Kawhi on him.

[3ball]

.

Effective FG% on all jumpshots for Curry, MJ, Lebron


.................eFG% All Jumpshots

Lebron 2004 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2003-04&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 35.6%, 324/998
Lebron 2005 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2004-05&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 39.9%, 400/1136
Lebron 2006 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2005-06&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 41.7%, 423/1166
Lebron 2007 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2006-07&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 39.5%, 372/1066
Lebron 2008 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2007-08&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 39.4%, 338/1001
Lebron 2009 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2008-09&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 42.2%, 366/1024
Lebron 2010 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2009-10&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 43.4%, 356/970
Lebron 2011 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2010-11&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 45.4%, 393/968
Lebron 2012 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2011-12&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 43.7%, 290/726
Lebron 2013 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2012-13&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 49.0%, 333/784
Lebron 2014 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2013-14&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 47.0%, 288/736
Lebron 2015 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2014-15&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 43.1%, 280/788
Lebron 2016 (http://stats.nba.com/player/2544/shooting/?Season=2015-16&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 39.0%, 181/543

Bryant 2000 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=1999-00&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 38.5%, 328/851
Bryant 2001 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2000-01&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 43.0%, 460/1141
Bryant 2002 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2001-02&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 41.8%, 478/1184
Bryant 2003 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2002-03&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 44.1%, 597/1494
Bryant 2004 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2003-04&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 40.3%, 282/787
Bryant 2005 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2004-05&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 43.5%, 346/947
Bryant 2006 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2005-06&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 46.5%, 709/1724
Bryant 2007 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2006-07&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 46.7%, 556/1358
Bryant 2008 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2007-08&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 44.6%, 468/1217
Bryant 2009 (http://stats.nba.com/player/977/shooting/?Season=2008-09&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 45.0%, 519/1285


Jordan 1997 (http://stats.nba.com/player/893/shooting/?Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 51.2%, 727/1528


Currry 2015 (http://stats.nba.com/player/201939/shooting/?Season=2014-15&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 56.0%, 424/1029
Currry 2016 (http://stats.nba.com/player/201939/shooting/?Season=2015-16&SeasonType=Regular%20Season): 62.9%, 389/847



^^^ Lebron shoots worse at higher volume, while Kobe/MJ maintain their efficiency because they're simply much better jumpshooters (greater jumpshooting repertoire - they can get jumpers off in many more ways with greater accuracy)

Infact, their volume and greater contested shooting ability makes them better jumpshooters than Curry

[Ainosterhaspie]

First of all, the idea that LeBron can't attack out of the triple threat is absurd. Hell, OPs GIF shows the Warriors are worried about and defending the pass, shot and drive.

Green and Durant are covering driving lanes to the left and right of Curry. So much so that they aren't covering their man. That's why Hill is able to cut to the rim unguarded. Green is too worried about James driving and loses track of Hill.

Meanwhile Thompson is worried about getting too far from Korver in the corner because he knows James will rifle it to Korver if he gets too far away. Because of this he isn't in position to contest Hill when Hill cuts and is forced to foul him instead.

Curry is defending James tightly. Why do that if you're not worried about the shot? James shot 42% from three that game and Curry is trying to challenge any potential shot.

Everything about OP's claim here is ignorant and contradicted by OPs own GIF.

On top of that, you cannot draw conclusions about a player's lack of skillet from a single GIF since its not possible to showcase an entire skillet with one GIF. You could make a GIF of any bad play in any player's career (this isn't even a bad play) and claim he should have done something different and is missing the skills he didn't use in that particular play. It's utterly meaningless.

[RRR3]

TheMan reduced to agreeing with 3braincells :facepalm

[3ball]

A midget in Curry on him, it would be like an uncontested jumper around the free throw line on one dribble. Curry isn't doing anything to stop that, not like it's Kawhi on him.


The instinct to shoot the jumper over Curry didn't occur to Lebron because he isn't good at:

1) turnaround jumper
2) 1-dribble pull-up
3) pull-up off hard dribble (several dribbles with direction)


Lebron lacks repertoire and the many ways to get a jumper off, so his jumpshooting attempts/volume is literally half of MJ and Kobe's, at lower eFG (stats in previous post above)

[TheMan]

TheMan reduced to agreeing with 3braincells :facepalm
Dummy, all I'm saying is that LeBron could've one dribbled his way to an uncontested shot once boney midget Curry switched on him. Not a damn thing Curry could've done if LeBron was decisive on that play...hell, if KD goes hard at him, his man is wide open behind the three point line. If he misses, you still have time to grab the offensive rebound...instead LeBron waits for time to run down and forces an easily defended telegraphed pass :facepalm

[3ball]

First of all, the idea that LeBron can't attack out of the triple threat is absurd. Hell, OPs GIF shows the Warriors are worried about and defending the pass, shot and drive.

Green and Durant are covering driving lanes to the left and right of Curry. So much so that they aren't covering their man. That's why Hill is able to cut to the rim unguarded. Green is too worried about James driving and loses track of Hill.

Meanwhile Thompson is worried about getting too far from Korver in the corner because he knows James will rifle it to Korver if he gets too far away. Because of this he isn't in position to contest Hill when Hill cuts and is forced to foul him instead.

Curry is defending James tightly. Why do that if you're not worried about the shot? James shot 42% from three that game and Curry is trying to challenge any potential shot.

Everything about OP's claim here is ignorant and contradicted by OPs own GIF.

On top of that, you cannot draw conclusions about a player's lack of skillet from a single GIF since its not possible to showcase an entire skillet with one GIF. You could make a GIF of any bad play in any player's career (this isn't even a bad play) and claim he should have done something different and is missing the skills he didn't use in that particular play. It's utterly meaningless.
The defense was only defending the pass because lebron was in a passing body position - he isn't in the proper offensive stance (triple-threat position), so it's clear he won't make an offensive move and is looking to pass - hence the defense disruprs the pass... that isn't"genius", or skilled - it's telegraphing/lower skill level.

Ultimately, it's a skill deficit because he doesn't know what to do from a pre-dribble, stationary position (triple-threat position), so he freezes here and chokes.. otoh, the mj gifs show proper triple-threat play . Or that post-up over hornacek was viable for lebron in that spot too
.

[RRR3]

Dummy, all I'm saying is that LeBron could've one dribbled his way to an uncontested shot once boney midget Curry switched on him. Not a damn thing Curry could've done if LeBron was decisive on that play...hell, if KD goes hard at him, his man is wide open behind the three point line. If he misses, you still have time to grab the offensive rebound...instead LeBron waits for time to run down and forces an easily defended telegraphed pass :facepalm
LeBron got a good FT shooter two FTs. Not his fault the refs literally stole that game from him (not really sure how anyone could argue this if they watched it either but I’m sure you’ll try)

[TheMan]

The instinct to shoot the jumper over Curry didn't occur to Lebron because he isn't good at:

1) turnaround jumper
2) 1-dribble pull-up
3) pull-up off hard dribble (several dribbles with direction)


Lebron lacks repertoire and the many ways to get a jumper off, so his jumpshooting attempts/volume is literally half of MJ and Kobe's, at lower eFG (stats in previous post above)
Well yeah, no excuse to not go hard at Curry, that's a mismatch. He had a couple of good options but settled for the worst one, forcing a pass where there wasn't one.

[Ainosterhaspie]

Dummy, all I'm saying is that LeBron could've one dribbled his way to an uncontested shot once boney midget Curry switched on him. Not a damn thing Curry could've done if LeBron was decisive on that play...hell, if KD goes hard at him, his man is wide open behind the three point line. If he misses, you still have time to grab the offensive rebound...instead LeBron waits for time to run down and forces an easily defended telegraphed pass :facepalm
It's not easily defended if the defender isbl forced into a desperation foul to stop a layup. That was the highest percentage play available. LeBron executed perfectly.

[ILLsmak]

A midget in Curry on him, it would be like an uncontested jumper around the free throw line on one dribble. Curry isn't doing anything to stop that, not like it's Kawhi on him.

Imo he could have shot over curry from 22 or put it on the floor and shot over kd/dray and curry.. They had him pretty boxed in. It was a good look to throw and he was on an island.

If he caught it and immediately made a move maybe he could have done more but he also could have barreled into dudes and lost the ball as Bron does sometimes. Once hs surveyed for a sec his chance of getting a good pull up dribble j was gone imo.

-Smak

[Ainosterhaspie]

The defense was only defending the pass because lebron was in a passing body position - he isn't in the proper offensive stance (triple-threat position), so it's clear he won't make an offensive move and is looking to pass - hence the defense disruprs the pass... that isn't"genius", or skilled - it's telegraphing/lower skill level.

Ultimately, it's a skill deficit because
Durant and Green are both defending the drive. Durant has left his man wide open because he's worried about James driving. Green loses his man because he's worried about James driving. There are three players there actively trying to stop James from driving. So if LeBron is telegraphing pass, why are three Warriors terrified he's going to drive and not defending the pass. And if he's telegraphing pass why can't they stop it without fouling.

[RRR3]

Durant and Green are both defending the drive. Durant has left his man wide open because he's worried about James driving. Green loses his man because he's worried about James driving. There are three players there actively trying to stop James from driving. So if LeBron is telegraphing pass, why are three Warriors terrified he's going to drive and not defending the pass. And if he's telegraphing pass why can't they stop it without fouling.
You’re wasting your time with 3braincells.

[3ball]

Durant and Green are both defending the drive. Durant has left his man wide open because he's worried about James driving. Green loses his man because he's worried about James driving. There are three players there actively trying to stop James from driving. So if LeBron is telegraphing pass, why are three Warriors terrified he's going to drive and not defending the pass. And if he's telegraphing pass why can't they stop it without fouling.
Lebron is holding the ball in a passing position for the entire GIF - junior high players wouldn't think he's going to do anything but pass, let alone professional NBA players

Durant and company are shading off their man because that's standard defense at all times - players are never instructed to stand right next to their man at the 3-point line when the ball is elsewhere... The defense sees that he's obviously waiting on a cutter and reacts correctly in the blink of an eye to barely disrupt the pass...

It wasn't this obvious thing where everyone was hugging their man at the 3-point line and begging him to drive - basketball is never played that way - defenders are always shading off their man at the 3-point line, ever since the 3-point line was line was introduced

[Turbo Slayer]

3ball is a hater no point changing his mind. Lebron is consensus top 5 and will always be. Don't try to argue to him.

Waste of time and effort.

[Ainosterhaspie]

3ball is a hater no point changing his mind. Lebron is consensus top 5 and will always be. Don't try to argue to him.

Waste of time and effort.
Then again, supposedly a 14 year old on the first page had been duped by stupid arguments like the one made here. Airball is a lost cause no doubt, but maybe others can be reasoned with.

[Turbo Slayer]

Then again, supposedly a 14 year old on the first page had been duped by stupid arguments like the one made here. Airball is a lost cause no doubt, but maybe others can be reasoned with.

agreed aino

[Ainosterhaspie]

I haven't even gotten into the likely intent in this moment to run the clock down. Attack early and the Warriors have a chance to score again. He's probably intending to run the clock down here. He already had two buzzer beaters that playoff run, so it's not like he wasn't having success there. But Hill makes a great cut, so he skipped the plan to run down the clock and went for the easy points. Result of the play is the Cavs tied the game, and had a chance to win in regulation, but for JR Smith being a moron.

[3ball]

Then again, supposedly a 14 year old on the first page had been duped by stupid arguments like the one made here. Airball is a lost cause no doubt, but maybe others can be reasoned with.
Players don't just do one thing... i.e. only play the drive or only play the pass

They do both, but if a player is telegraphing one way or the other like Lebron was, then the defense gets an advantage as they did on that play..

same thing happens in football when the QB telegraphs the signal.

Accept that Lebron's triple-threat fundamentals are poor, which reduced his options on that play - instead of squaring up and attacking the defense like MJ and still having the option to pass, Lebron stands in a passing stance and takes away his scoring options, thus telegraphing his intention (pass)... It's a lack of refinement and sophistication... That AAU bs that lebron has refused to grow out of

[Replay32]

Players don't just do one thing... i.e. only play the drive or only play the pass

They do both, but if a player is telegraphing one way or the other like Lebron was, then the defense gets an advantage as they did on that play..

same thing happens in football when the QB telegraphs the signal.

Accept that Lebron's triple-threat fundamentals are poor, which reduced his options on that play - instead of squaring up and attacking the defense like MJ and still having the option to pass, Lebron stands in a passing stance and takes away his scoring options, thus telegraphing his intention (pass)... It's a lack of refinement and sophistication... That AAU bs that lebron has refused to grow out of

Hey Idiot. You do realize that Magic Johnson did what is seen in the OP a lot also. So WTF are you talking about? It was one play that lead to 2 free throws from a really good free throw shooter. It proves nothing about his skill set. Lebrons approach to the game is different from Jordan and that's ok. Doesn't take away from his greatness. They play different positions also. MJ never played PF. They are 2 totally different players. Why does it bother you that he's not trying to be a carbon copy of MJ? You're so lame.

[3ball]

Hey Idiot. You do realize that Magic Johnson did what is seen in the OP a lot also. So WTF are you talking about? It was one play that lead to 2 free throws from a really good free throw shooter. It proves nothing about his skill set. Lebrons approach to the game is different from Jordan and that's ok. Doesn't take away from his greatness. They play different positions also. MJ never played PF. They are 2 totally different players. Why does it bother you that he's not trying to be a carbon copy of MJ? You're so lame.
Magic hit the big shot in the 87' Finals - he didn't pass it - Lebron has never hit the big shot in the championship, despite going there every year

And Magic wasn't required to close - that was Kareem and Worthy's job.. Lebron wants to be known as the goat like MJ, so he needs to hit goat shots.. But he has zero

Ultimately, MJ is better and won more rings because he was skilled enough to get great stats while the ball moved and the team played a ball movement brand that excelled on the championship level

Otoh, Lebron's style and skillset dominates the ball, so the ball doesn't move and the team plays a weaker brand that struggles on the championship level - lebron's ball-dominant skillset means that he gets 30 points by dominating the ball and turning teammates to spot-up shooters (weak brand), while MJ's off-ball skillset gets 30 while the ball is moving and teammates are playing a great brand of ball

Ultimately, Lebron's ball-dominant skillset turns teammates into spot-up shooters, which doesn't develop teammates or teams, this requiring team-hopping for ready-made stars and teams

Ball movement has always gotten better looks for role players than 1 guy dominating the ball in the half court... That's why mj had warriors and spurs-level teams (ball movement), while lebron has inferior lower assist teams that struggle in the championship

[3ball]

The OP GIF shows why Lebron is 0-8 on clutch shots in the Finals - he's literally 0-8 in those spots because of weak midrange game/post game/triple-threat game
.

[PeroAntic]

Blake Griffin would post up from there and body Steph all the way to the freethrow line. How do you not use strength/weight advantage there?

[3ball]

Blake Griffin would post up from there and body Steph all the way to the freethrow line. How do you not use strength/weight advantage there?
Who cares about strength and weight - just shoot over him via pull-up like the first Jordan gif in the OP

Or start a FT line post-up like MJ does on Hornacek in the next gif, or a quick triple-threat move like in the subsequent gifs.

[egokiller]

Magic hit the big shot in the 87' Finals - he didn't pass it - Lebron has never hit the big shot in the championship, despite going there every year

And Magic wasn't required to close - that was Kareem and Worthy's job.. Lebron wants to be known as the goat like MJ, so he needs to hit goat shots.. But he has zero

Ultimately, MJ is better and won more rings because he was skilled enough to get great stats while the ball moved and the team played a ball movement brand that excelled on the championship level

Otoh, Lebron's style and skillset dominates the ball, so the ball doesn't move and the team plays a weaker brand that struggles on the championship level - lebron's ball-dominant skillset means that he gets 30 points by dominating the ball and turning teammates to spot-up shooters (weak brand), while MJ's off-ball skillset gets 30 while the ball is moving and teammates are playing a great brand of ball

Ultimately, Lebron's ball-dominant skillset turns teammates into spot-up shooters, which doesn't develop teammates or teams, this requiring team-hopping for ready-made stars and teams

Ball movement has always gotten better looks for role players than 1 guy dominating the ball in the half court... That's why mj had warriors and spurs-level teams (ball movement), while lebron has inferior lower assist teams that struggle in the championship

He tried 8 times in the finals though and after that said never again. He will absolutely defer in a finals go ahead shot situation and has been since that 8th attempt missed. It's actually smart play on his part. If you know you aren't going to make it, don't shoot it.

[PeroAntic]

Who cares about strength and weight - just shoot over him via pull-up like the first Jordan gif in the OP

Or start a FT line post-up like MJ does on Hornacek in the next gif, or a quick triple-threat move like in the subsequent gifs.
You need footwork for posting up, not just strength. Lebron has the strength but not the footwork, so he doesn't even entertain that idea.

[Ainosterhaspie]

https://media.giphy.com/media/lkdZpAFnKYnigZ9dcF/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/U3TuygDZPUf8tepnUo/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/lojnTkyouyOSpPsZBZ/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/ftAMDLpNEThH6tSRCy/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/S3KVefuV0OrFtjGsc5/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/h5FK3M2yrS6PyklHXV/giphy.gif

[Ainosterhaspie]

This GIF shows why Jordan lacks the best skillet to be considered GOAT
https://media.giphy.com/media/JSemy1zGoby2EsaNgM/giphy.gif

Notice how LeBron knocks down game winner after game winner in the post above, while Jordan lacks the three point range or ability to make simple passes to wide open three point shooters so he's forced to drive and ends up falling on his face literally giving the Pacers the win. Meanwhile LeBron nails drifting fade away long threes, drives straight to the hoop for layups, and elevates for beautiful drifting kisses off the glass. Defenses have no idea what LeBron's gonna do to them. He's got a full arsenal.

(or maybe cherry picked GIFs don't mean much)