Los Angeles Lakers: A real LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard comparison
By Ronald Agers
LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard can both get to the basket, but one has a weakness and a tendency that gets him in trouble.
Both players are next to impossible to stop in the open break. LeBron James can just overpower you in the paint and his speed literally scared the Golden State Warriors frontline under the basket this preseason. Kawhi Leonard is an assassin that kills you with his efficiency and skill. What’s even more amazing is that he does it calmly. Let’s look at the differences.
LeBron James:
It’s important to note that LeBron scored his first two baskets on dunks. Plus they were on back to back possessions. The Lakers were on the road against Portland at the time and the crowd was going nuts for him. Unbelievable.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ announcer Austin Carr used to call LeBron James the L-train on the team broadcasts. It is really hard to disagree when he decides to take over a ball game. When the man cares, he is on a different level from anyone on the planet.
Besides maybe Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, he’s the greatest attacker of the basket in history. His mix of power, strength, speed, and explosiveness is potentially unmatched.
Except.
LeBron James rarely posts up anymore. That was part of the plan when the roster was constructed last year. When he went back to running the point, the roster got exposed.
Plus LeBron James’ game can be discerned. He always wants to go right to finish. His left hand is improved but still average. On the left side of the floor, he wants to shoot the jumper. If he is forced to drive to his left in crunch time. Well, Mario Herzonja can show you.
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What’s even more intriguing is that this is nothing new. Michael Jordan laid out LeBron’s tendencies in an interview. Kobe Bryant was listening and exposed them years ago during an All-Star game. Bryant blocked his shot during the game. Twice.
Kawhi Leonard:
Kawhi Leonard is effective in the paint while being able to play through contact and finish. His soft touch around the rim, coupled with his powerful upper body makes him a nightmare when he decides to attack.
Here’s the difference between Kawhi’s inside game and LeBron’s.
Kawhi Leonard will go to that post if there is a mismatch. If a guard or a smaller player is matched up on Kawhi, he will be helpless because Leonard is way too strong.
Also, Kawhi Leonard can finish with both hands. His hand size is legendary. He can cup the ball with ease and finish strong and quick before the defense knows what’s going on.
Here’s where the debate ends. Kawhi Leonard is a much better free throw shooter than LeBron. At times, last year, LeBron James struggled (Being kind here!) at the free throw line. To avoid being fouled and going to the line, James settles for more 3-point shots.
Better inside player: Kawhi Leonard