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Reggie Miller: ‘Early in His Career, the Knock on Him Was He Made the Pass That Someone Else Shot, and if That Guy Missed, Everyone Is Dogging Out LeBron James. Sometimes It’s About Making the Right Play’
There are multiple reasons for which we consider LeBron James one of the greatest players of all time. This includes impressive scoring statistics like his 25 points per game record. His commitment to his build and physique which almost makes him unstoppable while driving to the rim, even near the age of 37.
However, his most exceptional contribution to his team has always been his vision and his ability to give up the ball to make the right play. While making the right play, it does not always mean the result will be desirable. Sometimes, making the right play comes at a cost – what if the one you passed it to misses the shot?
Dec 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Memphis Grizzles at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Reggie Miller on how LeBron James learned to “make the right play”
Even, Reggie Miller, the former NBA All Star who played against LeBron James until 2005, saw what James faced every time he took this risk. They awarded Reggie Miller the 47th spot on the Athletic’s All Time Top-75 list. While talking to Bob Kravitz about this need of arrogance for this achievement, Reggie took the example of LeBron James.
Dec 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) passes the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman Sr. (2) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
He said, “It’s make or miss, and there’s no in-between. I always felt I could be the hero. And it’s not always about making shots, right? It’s about making the right play. Like LeBron doesn’t get enough credit for that. He’s a big-time shot-maker, but early in his career, the knock on him was he made the pass that someone else shot, and if that guy missed, everyone is dogging out LeBron. Sometimes it’s about making the right play.”
When LeBron made the right play and still regretted it
One of the most iconic moments where LeBron James made the right play and almost instantly regretted it happened in Game 5 of the NBA Finals 2020. Even though the Lakers emerged as champions from that series, this play in the crucial moments of the game forced a Game 6 against the Miami Heat. In the final 30 seconds of the game where 2 points could clinch the championship title, James gave Danny Green the spotlight for the most crucial shot of the game.
Unfortunately, the latter missed.
Yet, it was still LeBron James who was criticized for passing the ball by some experts. So indeed, even in the veteran stage in his career, the lessons he learned as a rookie have come to use.
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The post Reggie Miller: ‘Early in His Career, the Knock on Him Was He Made the Pass That Someone Else Shot, and if That Guy Missed, Everyone Is Dogging Out LeBron James. Sometimes It’s About Making the Right Play’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
