How a Change in LeBron James’ Usage Unlocked the Lakers’ Offense Against the Grizzlies
In basketball, individual talent can only go so far in determining the success of a team. Even the greatest players need systems and strategies that complement their abilities to maximize team success. LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has experienced various shifts in his role throughout his career, adapting to the changing needs of his teams. A recent example of this flexibility was seen in the Los Angeles Lakers’ impressive offensive performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Historically, the Lakers’ offense has often been centered around LeBron James. The superstar forward’s basketball IQ, passing ability, and all-around scoring make him the focal point of the team’s attack. But in this particular matchup, there was a notable shift in how LeBron was utilized, and it had an immediate impact on the Lakers’ offensive flow. This tactical change allowed the Lakers to unlock a new dimension of their offense, exploiting Memphis’ defensive schemes and contributing to a dominant performance.
A Look at the Traditional LeBron-Centered Offense
At the heart of the Lakers’ offense has long been LeBron’s versatility. As a forward, he has the ability to score from all three levels — driving to the basket, hitting jumpers, and even knocking down three-pointers when necessary. He is also one of the best passers in the NBA, often drawing defenders to him and finding open teammates. For years, LeBron has been the focal point of his team’s offense, controlling the ball and creating plays for both himself and others. In many instances, the offense runs through him, whether it’s through isolation plays, pick-and-roll actions, or a fast-paced transition game.
This approach, however, can have its downsides. When LeBron dominates the ball, it can sometimes lead to stagnation in offensive flow. Players can become too reliant on LeBron’s decision-making, and the team may struggle to move the ball effectively. The key to maximizing LeBron’s talents is finding a balance between allowing him to take control and fostering a more free-flowing, collective offense.
The Shift Against the Grizzlies
Against the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach Darvin Ham and the Lakers made a significant shift in how they utilized LeBron. Instead of running the offense primarily through LeBron as the ball handler, the team allowed other players to take on more initiating responsibilities. This shift opened up the floor in ways that hadn’t been fully explored previously, and it started to unlock new layers of the Lakers’ offensive game.
One of the key changes was moving LeBron off the ball more frequently. By shifting LeBron into more off-ball roles, the Lakers were able to use his gravity as a scoring threat without forcing him to always be in control of the offense. This allowed the ball to move more freely around the court, with other players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell taking on more playmaking duties. When LeBron wasn’t the primary ball handler, the offense became more dynamic, with quick ball movement and better spacing. This helped generate easier shots for teammates and prevented the Grizzlies from focusing all their defensive attention on LeBron.
Spacing and the Role of Surrounding Players
One of the reasons this shift was so effective against the Grizzlies was because the Lakers have surrounding players who are more than capable of contributing offensively. Reaves, Russell, and Rui Hachimura are all capable scorers and ball handlers, but they also thrive when they are not forced to create plays from scratch. With LeBron spacing the floor and setting screens, the ball could be moved quickly to open shooters or rolling big men, forcing the Grizzlies’ defense to scramble.
Moreover, the Lakers’ success in this game was predicated on the movement of players off the ball. LeBron’s ability to set screens and dive to the basket allowed other Lakers to get open looks. This off-ball movement also opened up opportunities for LeBron himself, who found himself in better positions to score when he wasn’t tied down with ball-handling duties. His scoring threat, even when he wasn’t the focal point of each possession, kept the Grizzlies’ defense on its heels.
The Grizzlies’ Defensive Adjustment
The Memphis Grizzlies, known for their defensive prowess, had to make an adjustment to account for the change in LeBron’s usage. Traditionally, Memphis has been one of the toughest defenses to break down in the NBA, with the combination of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint and strong perimeter defenders like Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. However, when LeBron was more active off the ball, Memphis struggled to adjust their defensive schemes. They couldn’t just focus all their efforts on stopping LeBron as the primary ball handler, and their defense became more porous as a result.
With LeBron no longer always controlling the offense, Memphis found it difficult to funnel the Lakers’ plays into predictable spots. The Lakers utilized more pick-and-roll plays, with LeBron setting screens for guards and wings. This type of play put pressure on Memphis’ defense, forcing them to fight through screens or switch defensive assignments. The result was often mismatches or open looks for the Lakers, and their shooting efficiency significantly improved.
LeBron’s Leadership and Timing
What also stood out in this shift was LeBron’s leadership and basketball IQ. Even when he wasn’t the primary ball handler, he still influenced the offense by setting up plays, making timely cuts to the basket, and using his intelligence to draw defensive attention. LeBron’s ability to read the game in real-time and adjust to what the defense was giving him was crucial in the success of this offensive shift. Whether it was a quick drive to the basket or a well-timed pass to an open shooter, LeBron remained highly effective without needing to dominate the ball.
One example came late in the game, when LeBron used a backdoor cut to receive a pass for an easy dunk, after distracting Memphis’ defenders with his off-ball movement. His ability to make subtle but impactful plays, even in a lesser role, was one of the key components of the Lakers’ offensive explosion.
The Result: A Balanced, Unstoppable Offense
The result of these adjustments was a more balanced and fluid Lakers offense. LeBron’s off-ball movement created better spacing and allowed his teammates to flourish. By relinquishing some of the playmaking duties to others, the Lakers’ offense became harder to predict and defend against. The Grizzlies, known for their defensive prowess, simply couldn’t keep up with the Lakers’ new offensive flow.
In the end, the Lakers were able to not only keep the Grizzlies on their toes but also take control of the game with efficient scoring, quick ball movement, and LeBron’s calculated plays. The shift in LeBron’s role was a key factor in unlocking this new level of offensive potency. It showed that, while LeBron is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever play the game, he is also adaptable enough to change his approach to suit the needs of his team.
As the Lakers look ahead to the rest of the season, this game against Memphis could serve as a blueprint for how they can continue to evolve as a team. With LeBron still at the center of the offense, but with a more fluid and dynamic structure around him, the Lakers have the potential to be a true contender in the West.
