LeBron James is many things but being a defensive liability isn't one of them. At least in LeBron's mind, he isn't. And he's proven it time and again. The same instinct that makes him deadly on the offensive end also makes him an above average individual defender in the NBA.
LeBron James scoffed at the notion of being a liability on the defensive end. The three-time NBA champion welcomed the opportunity to prove that he isn't slacking on defense by challenging opponents to come at him. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, James said that a team has every right to single LeBron out defensively.
"I mean, every team has the right if they want to single me out defensively," James was quoted by Yahoo Sports. LeBron adds, "Come on with it... We'll see what happens." As if James hasn't already proven that he is one of the NBA's elite defenders. As if LeBron James hasn't been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times, and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team once.
LeBron James is a freak of nature. A gifted athlete who has been to the NBA Finals eight straight times (with 3 different teams, two different cities). LeBron has also made the playoffs 13 straight times and has made the All-Star Game 15 straight times. Anyone who says that James is a liability on the defensive end needs to hear what James' teammates and opponents say about him.
And James' slacking off on the defensive end wouldn't be proven by simple video clips that show LeBron being out of position on defense. First of all, team chemistry is still an issue with the Los Angeles Lakers. And as basketball fans know, it takes a while before the overall team defense improves.
LeBron may be able to guard each position, and he may be an elite defender, but there is no way he could cover everyone at the same time. Also, there's the fact that the Lakers' defense has suffered since Lonzo Ball went down with an ankle injury last January 19.
The Lakers currently sport a 30-31 record and are three games out of the playoff picture. Despite several distractions that included the botched Anthony Davis trade and the alleged chaotic environment in the locker room, the Lakers claim that they are pushing for a playoff run.
With Rajon Rondo and LeBron James finally healthy and Lonzo Ball reportedly close to returning, the Lakers might just be able to make it. But the Lakers have to get it together, especially on the defensive end. And the Lakers doesn't need anyone on its roster to be slacking defensively and being a liability on that side of the floor if they want to make the playoffs.
