(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
LeBron James’ ability to stay relevant in the NBA for two decades is simply remarkable.
While he’s not the only durable player who’s been around for that long, no one had played at such a high level entering year 20, not even the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Obviously, most of that is because of his privileged genes and how well he takes care of his body.
But James’ basketball IQ, knowledge of the game, and unmatched ability to break down his rivals’ plays and sets in real-time have also given him a big edge over most of his opposition throughout the years.
That was again on full display when he was asked about his first-round matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
James pretty much gave a scouting report on the Grizzlies’ rotation players from the top of his head, later joking that he hasn’t even thought of their team for a minute:
“Really good team, very well coached and very well balanced. Obviously, the head of the snake is Ja Morant. They have an All-Star in Jaren Jackson, who is up there one of the defensive players of the year who can block shots. Offensively he’s very dynamic as well,” James said before digging in on Tyus Jone, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Xavier Tillman, and even Luke Kennard. Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute.”
I asked LeBron for his early thoughts on the Memphis matchup. After listing out his scouting report for most of their rotation, he deadpanned, “Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute.” pic.twitter.com/PeUJ4sXJYs
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 12, 2023
The worst part about this is that, while James has obviously given plenty of thought to this series, chances are that he hasn’t actually studied them just yet.
That’s just the way it goes with him; he can recreate full sequences of plays from the top of his head and explain with thorough detail exactly what went down and where every player was on the floor at that very same moment.
The Grizzlies will need everyone to be at their best to beat the Lakers.
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