LeBron is no longer an elite one on one defender

[HurricaneKid]

He never was a good defender dum dum.

Too many stupid people suggesting this. Time to call you all out for the idiots you are. Just last Finals LeBron would guard Parker and Pop's response was to put Parker in the corner to remove LeBron from the equation. Because that was better than having LeBron wreaking havoc defensively. And that was in a season he was pretty mediocre. His top gear is still mighty impressive.

But yes, he certainly doesn't currently appear to be as good as he was and rarely gets in to that top gear.

What he was miserable at is chasing after shooters off the ball. THAT he struggles with.

[sd3035]

Bran was never even close to being a good one on one defender. He tried to promote himself as a lockdown defender one year, and some of the BSPN writers took the bait

[nba_55]

Bran was never even close to being a good one on one defender. He tried to promote himself as a lockdown defender one year, and some of the BSPN writers took the bait

Except for when he shut down MVP Rose or Paul George or Tony Parker or Pierce...

[tpols]

Lebrons never been a truly elite one on one defender. He has a niche strength in guarding small guards who cannot shoot, but usually just very good help defense.

Jason Terry, kawhis Leonard, Joe Johnson, Paul George, Paul Pierce when he was still in his prime.. All guys who could do well to great against lebrons defense. LeBron isnt great at closing distance and sticking like glue, so it always leaves a little room to shoot that star shooters can take advantage of.. If the star player lebrons defending has a mediocre or poor shot he can just shade and use his size to block driving lanes rendering the player ineffective.. Settling for long shots they aren't great at making. Which is why his only true 'conquests' were Derrick Rose, and Tony Parker at the end of a tough series with a sprained hamstring.

[NattyPButter]

I always wondered why other forums said this forum is horrible. Most of u just say the dumbest shit about Lebron, Kobe. Ect. Nothing but trolling and no real basketball knowledge. I believe some of u actually believe the crap u say about players.

[Mass Debator]

Too many stupid people suggesting this. Time to call you all out for the idiots you are. Just last Finals LeBron would guard Parker and Pop's response was to put Parker in the corner to remove LeBron from the equation. Because that was better than having LeBron wreaking havoc defensively. And that was in a season he was pretty mediocre. His top gear is still mighty impressive.

But yes, he certainly doesn't currently appear to be as good as he was and rarely gets in to that top gear.

What he was miserable at is chasing after shooters off the ball. THAT he struggles with.

What happened last year? It's clear as day that he was never an elite man on man defender. You can't believe that he can stop Parker from 0-48. He was put on Parker because he can guard 1s solid enough to promote a change up that the other player has to adapt to on the fly. This same change up was utilized on Lebron with Kawhi, Diaw, Green, Tiago, Kidd, Marion, Terry, and even Barea. How many players have went off in the finals when Lebron was their defensive assignment? Like others have said, Lebron can't guard shooters effectively. He relies on his size and close out speed so he gives players too much space sometimes.

Team defense is another matter. He was great at that and still pretty good with flashes.

[Keno]

lebron doesn't try on defense in the regular season.

[MiseryCityTexas]

Lebron should've stuck to the post up game like he did in Miami, because he clearly can't drive past his opponent like a freak of nature like he used to do in 2006.

[Kvnzhangyay]

Lebron should've stuck to the post up game like he did in Miami, because he clearly can't drive past his opponent like a freak of nature like he used to do in 2006.

I feel like he's still fast enough but the diet must have done something because he can't finish anymore