LeBron James has reflected on how isolation plays are no longer a winning method in the NBA. James seemingly dropped a strong statement about it, which could be taken by some as a subtle shot at Luka Doncic. There is a narrative that puts James and Doncic at odds amid the LA Lakers' excellent campaign.
LeBron James drops honest admission on isolation plays
On the recent edition of the "Mind The Game" podcast, James and Steve Nast discussed various topics. One of those topics was how the NBA has transformed into a more team-oriented game, wherein the ISO plays and players are no longer effective.
"We didn’t have this many defenses and nuances of how to play defense vs. iso, isolated players back, I would say 5-to-7 years ago," James said, according to Lakers Nation. "Now, there's so many different ways to get the ball out of a guy's hands. If he's just sitting there isoing on the wing, you can flood the whole side and bring another guy to the elbow. You could literally run a guy and just go trap him, and now you got three defenders."
The four-time NBA champion continued:
"That’s the game right now, it’s the numbers game. How can you start the blender? Is the blender being started with the pass and cut? Is it what the Miami Heat are doing? Or is it what the Lakers are doing where we start a lot of our plays with pick-and-roll because we have such a dynamic pick-and-roll player in Luka?"
LeBron James fired shots at Luka Doncic?
While some people might believe that LeBron James fired a shot at Luka Doncic, it's about perception. Doncic is a master of playing iso ball, but he is a pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop master like James. He just attempts some questionable shots because of his ability to make tough ones.
As for what a blender is, it can be considered a "chaotic" offense since players attack the basket to make chances. It could be either a layup, drawing fouls or drawing double teams and kicking out to an open man. It is basically an updated drive-and-kick offense loaded with cutters.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic shines in Lakers' win over Pelicans
The Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center. LeBron James and Luka Doncic amassed 30 points each to defeat the Pelicans, 111-103.
The Lakers survived a 42-point onslaught from Trey Murphy III, With Zion Williamson being limited to just 15 points. The purple and gold franchise has now registered three back-to-back wins before heading into a clash against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.