Why is James Avoiding Playing PG?

Eric Bieniemy · Post #1 » by **Eric Bieniemy** » Mon Apr 11, 2022 4:01 pm

Many people will say because of energy, but his reluctance to be the main ballhandler is hurting the team, especially Davis.

When James was the clearcut starting PG and Rondo his backup, this team was good and Davis was dialed in, playing winning basketball while getting setup for easy scores. With Westbrook and Schroder, not so much.

Why won't LBJ accept being the primary ballhandler on offense?

Beethoven · Post #2 » by **Beethoven** » Mon Apr 11, 2022 5:52 pm

I cant speak for Lebron, because I dont know him personally, but I would be inclined to think he is just getting older and doesnt have the capacity to do it full time during the course of a season.

Post #3 » by **Kilroy** » Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:11 pm

When he played PG, and they were successful, it was mostly when they got stops and he pushed the tempo down the court. It wasn't as successful with the ball stopped and he brought the ball up the court, and his half court offense usually is an isolation for him which he's converting at a slower rate now...
So, with him playing basically zero D at this point, AD taking a huge step back in that as well, and Westbrook hanging out, waiting for rebound stats... We're not getting the fast break opportunities we used to, so his PGing abilities aren't really able to show...

We need to find some way to get stops going forward... And honestly, with LeBron and AD as the core, I'm not really seeing that happening...

Post #4 » by **zimpy27** » Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:52 pm

In 2019-20 RS he was playmaking more than he ever did.
In 2020 playoffs he was prime playmaker and made as many assists per 100 as he usually did.
In 2021 playoffs he was again prime playmaker and made similar assist levels as 2020.

LeBron and Lakers need a PG like Rondo in 2020 playoffs, he was critical to their win. Someone to keep offense going while he sits. The plan is to empower a PG in RS to take over and that plan failed twice.

So I don't think the plan is bad but I think the decision on Schroeder and Westbrook was bad.

The way that Brunson works with Luka.. that's what Lakers are searching for.

Eric Bieniemy · Post #5 » by **Eric Bieniemy** » Tue Apr 12, 2022 1:21 am

PG - James
SG - Bradley
C - McGee
PF - Davis
SF - Green

This was the starting five in the regular season for the squad that eventually won it all in the bubble.

James was the ONLY ballhandler/facilitator in this lineup and led the league in assists (no coincidence there). Davis played better with James as the point guard. More importantly, the team was better.

tamaraw08 · Post #6 » by **tamaraw08** » Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:08 pm

Eric Bieniemy wrote:Many people will say because of energy, but his reluctance to be the main ballhandler is hurting the team, especially Davis.

When James was the clearcut starting PG and Rondo his backup, this team was good and Davis was dialed in, playing winning basketball while getting setup for easy scores. With Westbrook and Schroder, not so much.

Why won't LBJ accept being the primary ballhandler on offense?

I like Lebron and I get kind of irritated when I read some fans here wanting him to leave the team. This team was getting better when the young kids are maturing but I don't see them winning it all without him. Having said that, Lebron have other personal agenda that is affecting the way he and the team plays. He is going after that 25 pt+/game streak AND the all time scoring record and playing PG, as the main guy who facilitates and setting up teammates would limit his shot attempts.

Eric Bieniemy · Post #7 » by **Eric Bieniemy** » Wed Apr 13, 2022 12:18 am

tamaraw08 wrote:
Eric Bieniemy wrote:Many people will say because of energy, but his reluctance to be the main ballhandler is hurting the team, especially Davis.

When James was the clearcut starting PG and Rondo his backup, this team was good and Davis was dialed in, playing winning basketball while getting setup for easy scores. With Westbrook and Schroder, not so much.

Why won't LBJ accept being the primary ballhandler on offense?

I like Lebron and I get kind of irritated when I read some fans here wanting him to leave the team. This team was getting better when the young kids are maturing but I don't see them winning it all without him. Having said that, Lebron have other personal agenda that is affecting the way he and the team plays. He is going after that 25 pt+/game streak AND the all time scoring record and playing PG, as the main guy who facilitates and setting up teammates would limit his shot attempts.

Wow! You think? I really hope you're wrong, brother.

I don't belive in teaching an old dog new tricks. James has ALWAYS been a point guard. That is his game. He is a floor general. That needs to still be his role, specifically feeding Davis.

Defensively, he needs to guard mostly PFs while being paired with a defensively versatile wing who can essentially guard either forward spot and hit an open jumper or two.

The team should look something like this:

PG - LeBron James - John Wall
SG - Gary Harris - Kendrick Nunn
C - Anthony Davis - Christian Wood
PF - Stanley Johnson - Hollis-Jefferson
SF - Austin Reaves - (Gary Harris)