The statistics say LeBron, but you might be surprised what Lake Show Life thinks!
Here’s where analytics and statistics can manipulate reality. Here’s why.
LeBron James averages over seven rebounds per game for his career. In comparison, Kawhi Leonard averages six rebounds per game. According to the numbers, LeBron has the edge in rebounds so he is actually a better rebounder, right?
It depends on when the rebounds are collected. Sure LeBron is the better leaper and can snag rebounds from the rim with ease. However, the rebounds in crunch time mean something, too. Plus the willingness to block out should count as well. LeBron is quicker and stronger so it’s easier for him to rebound theoretically than Leonard.
However, Kawhi Leonard always seems to come up with the important rebounds when his team needs it the most. Remember the phrase that pays when it comes to Leonard.
“Board man gets paid”.
Better Rebounder: Even
When these two are charged to take care of rim protection, this is a fun discussion. LeBron uses his athleticism to get up and swat shots away. I mean the man owns the greatest blocked shot in Finals history!
The chase down block has been around for years, but LeBron made it popular. To be totally honest, if you can’t dunk in this league and he’s on the floor, a quality option is shooting the jumper. Seriously.
Kawhi Leonard does his business differently. He’s not going to chase players down to block shots. They just can’t get past him. Leonard knows how to make players work for their shots and always has a hand up to contest. Leonard’s defensive prowess makes this one even as well.
Better rim protector: Even as well.