The evolution of LeBron James goes on in year 21. Since his initial days of releasing the ball with a lock in his jumper, James has come a long way to mount smooth ones for the Miami Heat. Now, ten years later, he has yet again changed an aspect of his game; all while staying relevant to the changed dynamics of the league. In the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent win over the Brooklyn Nets, James notched his third 40-point game of the season. While it makes him the only player to do so in year 21, the game brings forth a different narrative.
27 of James’ 40 points came off the three-point line. He took a whopping 10 attempts beyond the arc, converting 90% of them. Constantly switching between the front and backcourt while dominating near the basket, the long-balls were unusual sights from James. With that, when asked about his leaning on the 3-point shot, James put his versatile arsenal at notice. However, LeBron highlighted the increased use of the arc before saying, “I want to be respected and teams have to play me from the outside.” With that, he summarized that his improving areas this season rest beyond the arc and the charity stripes.
Moreover, with the 9-10 bombardment in Brooklyn, James surpasses Stephen Curry‘s 3-point efficiency this season. Steph, often lauded to change the game into a three-point heavy endeavor, connects on 40.3% of his long rangers. On the other hand, James now flaunts a 41.6% efficiency, with 7 games left in the season.
LeBron James’ 3-point shooting this year
Despite making his presence known in the paint, James is shooting his career best from the three point line in 2023-24 campaign. Even better than the 2012-2013 championship run that saw him shooting 40.6% from distance.
However, like James says, he is not “one of those guys that wants to go out there and shoot 12, 14 or 15 3s per game.” On January 3, James took 6 chances from the distance, failing to connect on one. On November 25, he launched 9 three-pointers, shooting at just 11.1%. Then, how is James averaging better 3-point shooting than Stephen Curry? The answer lies in his attempts. James, after learning through his shot selection earlier this season, has been smartly picking his 3-point shots.
Although James averages a little over 5 3-point attempts per game, he only attempts more than that in two situations: either a last resort situation, or when he is feeling the groove. An significant stat line is that in the 25 game where James has attempted more than 5 three-balls, he has managed to sink 46% of those. James pickiness in his three-point shot has seen a noticeable increase in the latter chunk of the campaign. Over the last 5 games, he has converted more than 55% of his three-pointers.
