LeBron James recently put his Los Angeles Lakers teammates on notice if they’re not aware of his passes.
After LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, the team instantly became relevant once again. Given that Los Angeles’ last superstar was Kobe Bryant, having James aboard finally granted the Lakers with their next big thing.
Phrases like “big thing,” though, carry more than one meaning in a city like Los Angeles. While the Lakers have had many exceptional players throughout their history, talent is meaningless unless another “big thing” is captured.
Those things are championships. Nothing else matters a whole lot when it comes to Lakers basketball. It is what has made the last few years so difficult in the City of Angels.
Certainly, James’ presence naturally gives L.A. that championship-type look. Nevertheless, looks by themselves mean nothing.
Headed into his 16th NBA campaign, James understands that concept better than most. He knows what he brings to the table night in and night out. However, the 3-time champion also discerns that those around him carry just as much importance.
It is not to belittle James’ otherworldly abilities—that is not what is being asserted. Conversely, what is being driven home is that a complete team effort is needed to be at a championship level.
Despite preseason not even being underway, James is already ensuring his teammates are developing the right mannerisms.
According to Harrison Faigen of SB Nation, an unnamed Laker was recently called out by James during a team scrimmage.
Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka shared more details about the story on ESPN 710. Via what Pelinka exhibited, James wants all of his teammates to have their hands ready if the ball is in his hands. As Pelinka went on, he illustrated a recent sequence where that did not transpire.
"“Now we have one of the most competitive players in the world, and I’ve seen it already in our scrimmages. Our five-on-five the other day he (LeBron) was in here and there was a fast break, and he had this pass where he took off at halfcourt and did like a 360 in the air, wrapped the ball around behind his back and found a guy under the hoop. But the player, it was such an unbelievable pass that the player fumbled the ball out of bounds.”So as that player was running back and LeBron was running back to play defense, he’s like ‘Man, do you like your nose?’ And the player was like ‘Yeah, I like my nose.’ And he (LeBron) said ‘Well get your hands ready, or I’m gonna break your nose!’ … That competition, it elevates all of us.”"
The fact that Pelinka accurately described LeBron as “competitive” is crucial. That being said, James very well may have gotten heated up in the moment.
In spite of that theory, there is probably a little more to it than just that. It is doubtful that James’ comments were out of the blue or were some sort of playful gesture.
Rather, James was likely doing his part to prepare this Lakers unit for the regular season. Plain and simple.
Los Angeles Lakers
It is reasonable to deem James’ comments as extreme in nature. However, it sheds light on the competitive fire Pelinka mentions and what James expects from his teammates.
Like Bryant, James is built from a different cloth than the average player. His patience is pretty thin and he does not tolerate diddle-dallying.
Thus, to hear that a fellow Laker botched a pass from James and the latter reacted the way he did proves that idea. Indeed, it is easy to say: “well, it was just practice, after all.”
While that is true, such mistakes have a way of magnifying themselves when the real action starts. That better explains LeBron’s fiery comments toward that unidentified Laker. He wants the Lakers to be ready to fire on all cylinders when it means something.
In actual games, mistakes are going to happen here and there. It is just the way it is. However, Pelinka’s story is suggestive of an unforced turnover. Those types of errors are not as ideal to commit.
Per Faigen, some speculated Ivica Zubac was that unnamed Lakers. The sports writer went on to disclose that Zubac is nowhere in the U.S. right now, though, nullifying him as a possibility.
Regardless of who was at fault, the message James was trying to get across is clear. It is always important to pay attention while on the court. Needless to say, it becomes even more critical when the former Cavalier has the rock in his possession.
James is an extremely crafty, willing passer. Despite his bulkier frame, his passing abilities exceed that of most point guards in today’s game.
Therefore, it is key that the rest of the Lakers take James’ warning into account. LeBron is known for making those around him better, but his effect will be reduced if someone is napping.
Given what James firmly stated, let’s hope no one else is caught in the act anytime soon. It is fair to say everyone would like to keep their noses intact.