“When Jordan missed a final-scored shot, nobody said he couldn’t close” Shannon Sharpe makes honest admission on criticism towards LeBron James not being a closer
Follow Us
Skip Bayless and LeBron James
LeBron James has been the Los Angeles Lakers’ best player this season, arguably, but his efforts have not necessarily worked out for the better for a team that does not have a set routine. He has always been the type of player to correct his game based on his personal shortcomings and team requirement. James took on the point guard role last year and played a few games at the center position as well. Overall he is a very smart player to trust in making plays.
During their most recent game, against the Houston Rockets which they lost, LeBron had the opportunity to take charge over the finisher but passed on the ball to Carmelo Anthony whose shot missed the basket. Even though he is a trusted facilitator, he has only been successful to a certain extent. The Lakers wound up losing to the Rockets 139-130 at overtime. Bron recorded a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in a very low shooting night going 9 of 26 from the field.
Is LeBron James trustworthy in the clutch?
Amidst a career season for the King, the comparisons between himself and Michael Jordan have been continuously brought up. This season LeBron managed to break a couple of records that many would not have imagined him doing at 37-years old. The hit the third spot on the all-time scoring list and is currently a few points behind Karl Malone who holds second. LeBron has been averaging 29.3 points with 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Recently he scored 56 points shooting 6 of his 11 attempts from three prior to the Rockets game, but against Houston, he only drained one out of 9 attempts.
In terms of shooting, LeBron James has not had a consistent shot when compared to his ability in bullying defenders with the arc. LeBron has barely averaged more than 2 three-pointers per game except during the last few and current season with LA Lakers. He has collectively shot under 35% during his career while compared to Carmelo Anthony’s 35.6% which is not any different apart from the fact that is known for his consistent shooting ability, unlike LeBron.
Skip Bayless blasts LeBron James for not closing out against Houston
“I believe he doesn’t have the clutch gene, but I’ll be more specific its more that he doesn’t have the closer gene. Even more specifically he doesn’t have the clutch late game free throw gene.” On the Undisputed, Skip Bayless targeted LeBron’s poor ability of shooting. LeBron has not been terrific from the line shooting under 75% with his best coming out of Cleveland during the 2008-09 season. This season he puts up 4.5 shots on 5.9 attempts which is arguably his best throughout his career.
“Obviously an all-time great player. But the difference between Jordan and LeBron is killer will, assassin mentality, supreme confidence in ‘in give me the damn ball and get out of my way’ if it’s a tie game. LeBron could not close a game that he utterly should have closed with his eyes closed. That’s how great he is. Nobody plays bully ball better than LeBron.” Bayless highlighted that LeBron has not been great in the clutch since the start of their career missing 17 game-winning free throws which are the most compared to any other player and the closest is J.R Smith who had 8 missed shots. Bayless believes that LeBron “Does not trust himself” when it comes to the final seconds.
Fellow host Shannon Sharpe came to LeBron’s defense saying, “When Jordan missed a final second shot, nobody said he couldn’t close as they do now. If LeBron misses a shot, he can’t close. Jordan missed thousands of shots to win or lose the game.” Bayless in contradiction mentioned how Jordan has made more than LeBron has but the Laker has no willpower or ability to nail a last-second shot. LeBron may have given up on the shot knowing he could not make it.
Stay Updated!
Rakibul John Rodgers
(1258 Articles Published)