In a surprising turn of events, LeBron James finds himself in the midst of one of the most challenging shooting slumps of his illustrious career. Over his last four games, the Los Angeles Lakers star has failed to connect on any of his 19 attempts from beyond the arc. This drought has placed him near a record set by RJ Barrett, who once missed 21 consecutive three-pointers over a similar stretch. Despite these struggles, LeBron remains a focal point of the Lakers' offense, although the team recently faced a resounding 109-80 loss against the Timberwolves.
The Slump and Its Context
For a player of LeBron's caliber, such a dip in performance is unusual. Historically, LeBron hasn’t always been the league's most proficient three-point shooter. Interestingly, during seasons when he clinched his first two MVP awards, his three-point shooting was below the league average. His worst season came in 2016 when he hit just 30.9% of his shots from downtown. Nevertheless, his current form has prompted the Lakers to reconsider their strategy, particularly his ambitious goal of playing all 82 games this season.
In the recent game against the Timberwolves, LeBron's struggles continued as he went 0-for-4 from three-point range while managing just 4-of-12 on two-point attempts. With just 10 points scored in that outing, it was one of the rare instances where he barely extended his streak of double-digit scoring games to 1,243. Earlier in the season, against Phoenix and Oklahoma City, he recorded modest totals of 11 and 12 points, respectively. Notably, last season saw him score 12 points or fewer in only two games.
Adjusting Expectations and Observations
Currently, LeBron is averaging 22 points per game through the first 21 games of the season, a figure marginally higher than his rookie average of 20.9 points. Interestingly, the Lakers have performed better when he’s off the floor, outscoring opponents by 15.9 points per 100 possessions without him—a statistic that may concern fans and the coaching staff alike.
LeBron's speed and transition game, often lauded as one of his strengths, have seen a dip as well. This year, he ranks eighth in the NBA with 4.3 fast-break points per game, down from 5.1 last year and 6.2 the year before. His standing in points per possession during transition places him in the 54th percentile, reflecting a broader decline in certain aspects of his offensive contributions.
Shooting Efficiency and Possibilities
Despite these challenges, LeBron remains efficient when driving to the basket, converting 52.9% of his field goals off of drives—a slight drop from last season’s 59.8%. Similarly, his shooting within the restricted area has declined from 73.3% last season to 67.9% this season. These numbers indicate a shift that might be attributed to a combination of tactical adjustments by opponents and the inevitable demands of Father Time.
Last season, LeBron showcased an unexpected potency from three-point range, making 41% of his attempts. This sharp contrast to his current struggles underscores the unpredictable nature of shooting dynamics in basketball. The Lakers will be deeply invested in finding a resolution to LeBron's present predicament, as his ability to stretch the defense with three-point shooting remains a crucial component of their offensive schemes.
As the Lakers look to navigate the challenges of their season, the focus remains on finding solutions to reinvigorate LeBron’s shooting touch. Whether it's through altered practice routines, strategic rest days, or perhaps reassessment of in-game roles, one thing remains clear—LeBron James, as history has repeatedly shown, is never one to shy away from a challenge.