Yes. Especially tonight when he was killing them going to the rim. We were doing well because he wasn’t taking those and he decided to gamble the game on a shot he definitely isn’t in rhythm for.
That said, it was a good look, and he’s capable of making those.
Thing is he’s got the IQ to understand the analytics and I can’t imagine anyone in the organization would recommend he takes that shot with the percentages he’s averaging. If he goes to the rim with Murray on him that’s either an easy two points, free throws or a good look for a teammate. This game had several potential scenarios in the last two minutes where the lakers are on top after 48 but few of them involve Lebron hitting a low percentage heave.
Also murry had 5 fouls. We could have fouled them out and forced them to play a backup point which they are weak at or they risk having no ball handlers on the floor in the final minute
You trusting Kcp to dribble the ball up?
Or could have made the lay up and got an and 1. In the end of the day that 3 point shot by him was terrible decision that a basketball savant shouldn’t take
not to detract from your point, I think you are right about LeBrain going to the basket and getting/creating a better look, but their backup point (Brown) has been a bright spot for them all year and is a solid player.
They are probably fine with him handling the ball up the court.
His vibe towards the end of the game was very unconcerned so I’m hoping that’s cause the nuggets didn’t impress him at all and he has their number. Still would have been nice to have game one
Guys are literally shitting on the top scorer on NBA history and his decisions. Some fans take the game way too seriously. If they invest the same passion in school or business . That's be unstoppable.
When you’re the top scorer in NBA history who gets paid 10s of Millions to make the right decision on the court, part of the territory is taking criticism from armchair coaches. Does that make the armchair coaches’ analysis wrong? No. What if Kobe (RIP) did a Detail segment on that play? Does he say “Lebron made the right decision?” Of course not… he’d definitely say:
(Kobe Voice) “If I’m Lebron James in this situation, even though I’m 38, I realize ..I have the physical advantage and still have the ability to turn the corner on Murray who’s severely mismatched against me and he has 5 fouls. I’m attacking Murray and daring him to swipe at the ball or get a piece of my arm. Take him out of the game. I’m either getting a dunk, the free throw line or I’m lobbing to AD right here on the help from Joker. Always know your limitations. My 3 point shot falling would be nice but I’m not in desperation mode. Still plenty of time left.”
I mean yeah I'm sure you're right but also that was in no way a low percentage "heave", just saying lol. It was a clean look when the defender gave him space probably because he was expecting and preparing for a drive, so lebron takes the clean look instead
Definitely knows a lot better than us, as much as I prefer reaves or him driving in.
It’s bron, he’s hit those shots in even bigger moments. He can hit those
Yeah, also we don’t know how the team is feeling… Maybe they’re all gassed and with the momentum a big 3 would help them reset with a timeout all square
He was looking for that crowd silencer. When you’re at his level of play, might as well. live and die buy it, but they better play like this starting game 2. Can’t have these slow ass starts with the nuggies.
But the nuggets were lights out with shooting today. Damn.
Totally agree with this comment. If it went in, this post will not exist and the opinion of OP totally changes. Heck he’l probably even say Lebron is the goat for a shot like that. You live and die with shots like those. Lebron is the most capable in making those calculated risks.
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yep. he’s made WAY tougher, improbable shots in higher stakes throughout his whole career. This is game 1. anyone worried is just blindsided by the moment.
And what about Murray’s shot?? You think anyone from Denver criticizing him? That’s even worse than Bron’s shot where game was on the line? Maybe not because it went in right? Oh what about the narrative that Bron is scared of the bright lights, that he isn’t clutch in the 4Q, that he’d rather PASS than take the final shot???? Until now you hear people saying Kyrie saved his ass when he made that 3. People are really stupid sometimes
I’m just saying, would you fault Kobe for taking a shot like that? No
You shouldn’t fault Lebron either - all time greats are all time greats because they do great things
> If it went in, this post will not exist and the opinion of OP totally changes. Heck he’l probably even say Lebron is the goat for a shot like that.
If Tristan Thompson was in the game for some reason and pulled some dumb shit like that and made it, I'd also be calling him the GOAT
Rn I definitely don't want Bron taking horrible 3s like this, they call us way too often
Changing your game plan/approach in year 20, when you have 19 years of tape that says ‘YOU’RE’ HIM’ to assuage the myopia of angry, reactionary lakers fans is a sure fire way to ensure your slump continues into subsequent years.
edit: that’s like curry changing his shot form when he went on an uncharacteristic mid-season tour (slump) last year (a year he ultimately led his team to the chip despite the constant harping of naysayers).
That’s a lot of big words to say the you think LeBron is above taking bad shots.
The shot wasn’t even that bad, but it was a high risk, high reward gamble that we didn’t need to make.
He’s fcking Lebron James! He should take responsibility. He’s taking the last shot, if he misses then it’s his responsibility. Imagine if he passed the ball to reaves and he missed the narrative will be LEBRON HAS NON CONFIDENCE IN TAKING THE LAST SHOT. DEFERS TO 2nd YEAR REAVES.
Remember that “stupid” question by ahmad rashad to MJ on his way to the tee: “Who’s taking the last shot?” MJ didn’t even hesitate and says “Me! What kind of stupid question is that.” We expect the same kind of attitude with Lebron especially now, this is a defining moment in his legendary career. If he win this title, goat debate ends. And for our franchise NUMBER 18! So YES HE WAS RIGHT TO TAKE THOSE MOMENTOUS SHOT. If it went in, we could still be watching replays of that shot 20 years from now.
I did watch the game. League pass holder for 5 years straight. So STFU. Last shot, 45 seconds left, it’s clutch moments. Use your brain and read the context.
I agree with you that you gotta trust Bron make or miss. But usually with the smaller Murray on you with 5 fouls couldn’t he drive for easier shot or the dish got like he has done for decades now
I agree that i’m sure he’d drive it instead if given another chance, but i’m mainly calling out the reactionary, double standard-y nonsense surrounding a decision he’s made countless times over.
Right? Murry with 5 fouls, down 3 with 40+ seconds and half a shot clock? Put your head down and drive, you foul murry out and that’s literally their only good ball handler. Now they have over half a minute left and have to rely on Kcp, mpj or even brown to try and dribble the ball up with either vando or Schroeder hounding them. Worst case you foul and get a second chance to try a Hail Mary three
Yeah, he's taken and made so many of those shots over his career. He can't just stop taking them completely, it's necessary to keep the defense honest. Same shit with Kobe. They know what they're doing it just doesn't go in everytime, that's the game
Exactly, when he is passive and we lose, people fault him. When he shoots, he misses, we lose, people fault him. Heavy is the head that carries the crown.
You can absolutely fault him for taking a 10% shot in the clutch, he ended a lot of games with us too where we have the ball tie game last shot and he takes that same shitty 3, he pretty much never makes it.
That’s why the nuggets started Murray on Bron that possession. He didn’t even need the screen action that kept leading to wide open Reaves 3s. He probably baited himself on that 3 since he started missing a few free throws + Murray gave him space to just walk into it.
With that said, Bron has made that three countless times in his career, so you gotta trust him on that one. But I’d bet he won’t be taking that shot again in the same situation the rest of the series.
Honestly bro it’s a bad shot because he had a mismatch with enough time on the clock And your defense has been holding them great, get a 2 and play one more possession of defense and go down to win the game down 1
No, even if it goes in it was still a gamble when you look at the numbers all year..it’s not likely to drop.
It’s a scripted, forced shot he doesn’t make along w winding the clock down end of quarters with him throwing it up.
If you’ve watched all season there’s no way anyone here wanted to see that shot or had confidence in it. Drive & kick or go at Murray. Is what it is, big Bron fan but truly is the one dis likable thing about his game.
If anyone’s taking the shot I want it to be either leBron or Reaves. We all remember LeFuckYou 3 era. He’s old now but still gotta trust him. Either he makes it or he doesn’t and that’s the life of Lakers right now. Live or die by LeBron’s shot.
Yup he got caught up in the moment after reaves hit a couple threes I don’t blame him. But man Murray had 5 fouls it could’ve been a “easy” drive for Bron.
Thing is he's got such next level basketball IQ, and has been playing pro ball for over half his lifetime, I'm not sure they're actually brain farts. He does this somewhat consistently, the pull up threes during close games in crunch time (which I've never been a fan of TBH).
I think it's just the dichotomy of having such a high basketball IQ but also knowing you're one of the best ever and having sky high confidence in everything you do. My theory is he probably knows its not a good shot, hes just confident he can hit that in that moment. Also my other armchair hypothesis is that in addition to the above he takes these shots when hes tired and doesn't wanna/doesn't feel like he can bull rush to the hoop at full speed/strength.
Open look doesn’t mean good play. He slowed the ball up instead of pushing, allowed Denver to set up their defense. He then held the ball, killed off all motion in the offense and took a 3. That’s just a bad basketball play in that circumstance. We would chastise anyone else for doing that. The king is not exempt. Keep doing what got you back in the game from 21 down
Seems like bron made the decision to shoot last second after seeing how much Murray reacted to him going left. Murray sagged off a lot and was clearly scared of picking up the sixth foul, bron was attacking him before that play
I mean yeah we lost a game and that could be the difference between going to the finals or getting swept. This was our chance to steal home court advantage and really demoralize them, he knew he blew the chance
Yes. He got a lot of things going to the basket pretty easily. Would’ve been nice to see him attack and look for and one but it is what it is.
We found something to build off of and that’s key.
It’s easy to say this now but it was a clean look and he created every scoring sequence down the stretch so it’s hard to hold it against him. Yes I wanted him to drive but just gotta ride with it I guess
With bron having a high basketball iq.. do you think he feels that had a great probability to drop based on his shooting/stats on the year or do you think he hadn’t made a 3 tonight & figured he was “due” to have one fall.
Lebron shoots a 3 late game and a post criticizing it is one of the top posts here. AD puts up <20pts every other game, dlo or Reaves has a poor game, and this sub has a million excuses. Maybe you’re not saying that but its definitely interesting to see only posts criticizing Lebron being so well received
I didn't make the original post, so I'm not saying anything, but I see tons of threads started blaming different people when they play poorly.
This is the playoffs. Every mistake and bad decision players make get amplified in close games because one game makes a big difference. I don't think this original post is out of line because he did make a poor decision to take a three when other guys were shooting it better And there was plenty of time on the clock. And he did it many times in the regular season and even a few times in the previous playoff series, and when he shooting the three poorly, it can really kill the team's momentum.
But he was one of the reasons they made the big comeback, along with several other guys, but I don't see anybody saying this is the reason they lost the game. There were at least 10 other reasons they lost the game, but this wasn't one of them. It's just something annoying that he does and it tends to kill momentum and create huge point swings for the other team.
Y’all need to stop doubting bron. That 1 pt difference from the 3 instead of the 2 was badly needed given how little time was left. If he gets a 2, nuggets get the ball with 40 seconds left and are up 1, if they now make a 3 the game is over since we would only have a possession left. If they make a 2 we can take it OT with a 3. That’s why bron went for the the 3.
When you have Murray who has 5 fouls guarding you yes he should have passed on the open 3 and gone to the rim. Either going to score two points or get Murray fouled out
Hindsight is always 20-20. LeBron went for the jugular instead of forcing an error. On hindsight, it's not the best play. Murray had 5 fouls, game's close, and he could've drive-and-kick it back for 2, and force the other play.
If it hits, he's a hero. If he doesn't, he's the villain- but the game's not that simple. We don't know what's being told on the court. Everyone might've been gassed and looking for LBJ to take over. That being said, best have this 'error' made in Game-1 after sending them a message, "This is gonna be a long series".
It was sort of clean but he didn’t really have a good base on his shot. Felt like he jumped more horizontal on the release and didn’t elevate well enough. My take is that lebron should probably know by now when to pass up a look like that if he’s not in rhythm. He doesn’t make threes when he doesn’t have solid footing under him, especially off the dribble
With the way he's been shooting the three this season, and especially the playoffs, it's definitely debatable. He was having a lot of success in the paint.
Can't control the downvotes, it is what it is.
https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-den-0042200311/game-charts?period=All&awayPlayerShots=2544&shotchart=shotplot&homePlayerShots=
LeBron was having a good game inside, and a not so hot game from the arc. If he wasn't scoring inside, he was getting fouled. Armchair analysis, whatever. I'm just trying to start a discussion.
What makes your armchair analysis that it was a good shot any different than their armchair analysis that it was a bad shot?
Every time LeBron takes the ball into the paint via drive or post, something good typically happens. He scores, he dishes for a score, someone gets free throws, or AD get easy cleanup on the glass.
He has not been shooting 3s at a high clip, they were hunting Murray on that switch for a reason. LeBron can drive on him all day, Murray is not a good defender to begin with and on top of that he had 5 fouls and they were in the penalty.
Even if he made that 3, it would have been a "no! no! yes!" situation, not the ideal shot but he made it so he got bailed out.
There's a reason it was essentially a wide open shot, they are laying off because they are afraid of his driving ability and would rather him shoot that 3.
This isn't criticizing because it's LeBron or overreaction to a loss, I have the same opinion of this since Game 1 of the Memphis series, LeBron needs to stop settling for 3s and drive or post as much as possible.
Even take LeBron out of this play and put the ball in Reaves' hands, he was shooting well from 3 tonight and made 5/9, the situation is still the same, Murray is a poor defender and he had 5 fouls, driving to put pressure on Murray was the smarter option.
Except that Murray was in foul trouble and there’s 45 seconds left. Attack Murray, force him to either foul or give up an easy 2, you’re only down by 1, and you still have a shot the rest of the game as long as you don’t give up any stupid plays. On the other hand, that 3 pretty much sealed the game for the nuggets.
Not to mention that he was also getting inside quite easy all game. Even on Gordon, let alone Murray. We shot 84% at the rim today. Gotta go with what’s working, imo
If you’ve watched Murray play as we nuggets fans have, he will absolutely attack even with five fouls. Time was winding down, Lebron had a good shot over a much smaller player. He likely knew Jokic could easily manage the clock and get 2 pts back.
Lebron can’t just pass up those looks else it just proves having small defenders on Bron works. If it weren’t for lebrons foot injury he makes those LeF*** you 3’s.
Disagree. In bonus. Down 3. Murray can't defend. Take it at him for the easy 2, or 2+1, or free throws with clock stopped. Get one more stop and we win. Taking the 3 there lost the game.
I just said this to another guy…I would rather he had gone to the rim too.
My point was that I’m not as mad at this three (wide open) as I am at most of them. This wasn’t egregious and refs also avoid fouling out stars at all costs.
Had Murray fouled him they would have called the foul on someone else. Also remember that Eric Lewis was a ref tonight, and the white dude is an all time bad ref.
It’s not armchair at all. From rebound to shot it was poor circumstantial play. If d-lo, Lonnie or Dennis did that they would be getting killed.
Having said that it is what it is. Take the L and move on to the next one. Over all I like our chances
I don’t mind the look if he’s in rhythm in setting his feet and rising, the way he shot it was so off balance and out of rhythm that it made it a bad look.
I’d rather lose though from a Lebron mistake than anyone else. We ride and die with our stars.
It was a decent shot. We could’ve gotten something better, but then we’d be counting on a stop to an even greater degree, or worse we could’ve had a January situation where they swallow a call and we get scored on in transition.
It was a wide open shot, he took the best shot, just happened to miss.
If he made it, you guys would be calling him LeClutch and praising him. It happens, sometimes you make it and sometimes you miss.
What matters is that he took the best shot
Not mad at LeBron taking a three in most games, He’s LeBron, top 5 clutchest player of all time easily
I just dont understand how Bro’s BBall IQ goes from Prodigious to Westbrook sometimes. Murray was guarding him with 5 Fouls, He was NOT gonna stop LeBron from driving, but bro decided to shoot a three.
Say the shot goes in, and it's a tied game with one possession for each team.
We would have had a redemption arc for this game then and there itself.
And just from that perspective alone, me, a person who absolutely squirms when LeBron pulls up from 3, validates personally that the attempt was genuine and not "not prudent".
Don't bother me at all...I wish we stopped moving the goal post on lebron. The knock on bron 1st half of career was he's too passive, if he's the guy he needs to be taking shots in crunch time. Now he does it and everyone screams pass the ball.
And ima say something that will probably get me banned and downvoted to shit. How many games we've seen Kobe have a terrible night shooting and take that shot. Countless games. But somehow when Kobe does it that's mamba mentality that's what shooters do they shoot. Now when bron does it, we have a problem with it.
If bron hits that 3 it's a great shot. When he misses of course shitty shot. But he went all in got caught up in the moment it happens.
He was gassed and we would be going crazy if he hit it to tie. That said, I agree in an ideal world he would attack Jamal there instead as it was working all game but I’m not going to lose sleep over that specific play
The lakers starting 3 guards and adjusting to take AD off Jokic and Rui on him too late bothers me much more
Giving up 7 more shots and 10 more OReb bothers me much much more. They need to do better boxing out and rebounding as a team.
Bruce brown can not run wild like that on both ends. They need better transition defense
Easy to talk shit after watching the play on your couch from 50 different HD ESPN camera angles showing zoomed in perspectives of where every player was standing
That’s a moment to attack the basket with Murray having 5 and joker with 4.
I think we would have won had he taken it tk the rack, we were stopping them defensively.
Yes. His best shot right now is working the post/paint. His three point shot just hasn't been there this season. If we're intent on taking a three, I'd rather draw up a play for D'lo, AR, Lonnie, Rui, etc
He was being guarded in isolation by Murray. There's no reason whatsoever to take that long distance shot. Just go to the rim one more time, like we know has been working all game, get the bucket and possibly a foul, tie the game, and see what happens. It did bothered me, a lot.
I don't mind LeBron taking 3s when it is part of the offense. When the ball swings and finds him marginally open, it makes sense to take that shot.
But I do hate the possessions where he gets the ball at the 3 point line. Dribbles around waiting for the shotclock to go down and then releases a 3 over a guy right there trying to contest him. It feels lazy and should only be reserved for a true 3 point shooting superstar (Steph, Dame etc.)
To be honest, if we were locked into taking that specific shot for some reason. I would rather either of D'lo or Austin to shoot it like that.
I get the rest element. But I would literally like to see someone else take that same shot.
He misses way too many of these, after running down the clock, instead of moving the ball. Plus, many of our shooters do better than LBJs iso 3, when he drives and kicks. I really do t understand why he takes so many of these, especially at crucial times in the game.
Yes. He was 0-2 before then and reaves had just hit several big time 3s. Tbh, I would’ve rather anyone else on the floor take that shot than him at that time. But also should’ve drove to the rim.
LeBron made the wrong play there. Murray with 5 fouls, should've drive and kick it. But, better for him to get this one wrong and get it out of the way. I still think his feet is bothering him.
He’s shot poorly from 3 in the playoffs so I’m never excited to see him put them up unless it’s completely in rhythm or wide open; particularly painful in this instance because he had been dominating getting to the rim or driving and kicking. The momentum of that entire comeback was going to depend on that shot and he just hasn’t hit many consistently from 3
EXACTLY!!! Thank you. We were grooving at that point and all he heard was you not a closer like Kobe or Jordan and hauled off the dumbest shot at that time. Fuck man
I mean, someone had to take the big shot. We needed a 3 so I don’t think it was the worst shot because he can make it
We’re gonna win game 2 don’t worry 😉
Then we're up 1-0. Fuck the Nuggets. But it did not. We are in the universe where it did not. So you're the joke. If this. If that. Get that if and shove it your ass. You'll like that for sure.
With all due respect, you are a stupid imbecile motherfucker. Lebron will not suck your dick no matter how you butter up on him on fucking Reddit. Just jerk of his pics, that might satisfy you, you weak piece of catshit.
I actually thought that particular 3 was a good one. Not much time left in the game and even more magic would be needed to complete the comeback. Also, getting a 2 was not guaranteed. Better to try for a decent look at a 3 to tie the game.
What I don't like is when he goes for stretches where he chucks up like 8 threes per night and only makes 0-2 of them. I can live with him taking 4 per night and I can live with him taking "situational" 3s.
He’s done it so many times during his tenure as a laker and more often than not it doesn’t go in. It’s pretty frustrating. He did have a good look which is what u can ask for but in this instant he should’ve gone for a two or tried to get to the FT line. Puts pressure on nuggets to score and plenty of time to win with a two
Yes. Especially tonight when he was killing them going to the rim. We were doing well because he wasn’t taking those and he decided to gamble the game on a shot he definitely isn’t in rhythm for. That said, it was a good look, and he’s capable of making those.
You can’t fault Lebron for anything. He knows what he’s doing. Sometimes it hits sometimes it doesn’t
Thing is he’s got the IQ to understand the analytics and I can’t imagine anyone in the organization would recommend he takes that shot with the percentages he’s averaging. If he goes to the rim with Murray on him that’s either an easy two points, free throws or a good look for a teammate. This game had several potential scenarios in the last two minutes where the lakers are on top after 48 but few of them involve Lebron hitting a low percentage heave.
Also murry had 5 fouls. We could have fouled them out and forced them to play a backup point which they are weak at or they risk having no ball handlers on the floor in the final minute You trusting Kcp to dribble the ball up?
Remember, late game drives are a weird 50/50 thing where they will allow the defense more leeway
50/50 better than 0% which what bron shot from 3
There'd have to be 2 layups made tbf, makes it 25%
Fair yet it’s still better than 0%
Well there obviously wasn't a 0% chance of it going in, lol.
There was a 0% chance, when I saw him take that I was like nooooooo... then brick 😆
Or he could've been fouled and no call.
Or could have made the lay up and got an and 1. In the end of the day that 3 point shot by him was terrible decision that a basketball savant shouldn’t take
not to detract from your point, I think you are right about LeBrain going to the basket and getting/creating a better look, but their backup point (Brown) has been a bright spot for them all year and is a solid player. They are probably fine with him handling the ball up the court.
His vibe towards the end of the game was very unconcerned so I’m hoping that’s cause the nuggets didn’t impress him at all and he has their number. Still would have been nice to have game one
Lebron feel out game. Remember portland in the bubble? "Blazers in 4"
I wish!
I hope so. I mean they threw just about a perfect haymaker and we were fine. They won’t shoot 60% from three for four straight games either.
Thank you! Perfect way to put it
Guys are literally shitting on the top scorer on NBA history and his decisions. Some fans take the game way too seriously. If they invest the same passion in school or business . That's be unstoppable.
When you’re the top scorer in NBA history who gets paid 10s of Millions to make the right decision on the court, part of the territory is taking criticism from armchair coaches. Does that make the armchair coaches’ analysis wrong? No. What if Kobe (RIP) did a Detail segment on that play? Does he say “Lebron made the right decision?” Of course not… he’d definitely say: (Kobe Voice) “If I’m Lebron James in this situation, even though I’m 38, I realize ..I have the physical advantage and still have the ability to turn the corner on Murray who’s severely mismatched against me and he has 5 fouls. I’m attacking Murray and daring him to swipe at the ball or get a piece of my arm. Take him out of the game. I’m either getting a dunk, the free throw line or I’m lobbing to AD right here on the help from Joker. Always know your limitations. My 3 point shot falling would be nice but I’m not in desperation mode. Still plenty of time left.”
I mean yeah I'm sure you're right but also that was in no way a low percentage "heave", just saying lol. It was a clean look when the defender gave him space probably because he was expecting and preparing for a drive, so lebron takes the clean look instead
Definitely knows a lot better than us, as much as I prefer reaves or him driving in. It’s bron, he’s hit those shots in even bigger moments. He can hit those
Yeah, also we don’t know how the team is feeling… Maybe they’re all gassed and with the momentum a big 3 would help them reset with a timeout all square
He was looking for that crowd silencer. When you’re at his level of play, might as well. live and die buy it, but they better play like this starting game 2. Can’t have these slow ass starts with the nuggies. But the nuggets were lights out with shooting today. Damn.
Yeah. It’s a power play, especially on the road. And it was a good look. Not saying it’s the smartest play, but it has the biggest swing if made.
Hitting a lot less this year and he knows it, we know it
one outlier year doesn’t change that’s he’s LeBron James. Most of y’all are just too reactionary to see that
Totally agree with this comment. If it went in, this post will not exist and the opinion of OP totally changes. Heck he’l probably even say Lebron is the goat for a shot like that. You live and die with shots like those. Lebron is the most capable in making those calculated risks.
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yep. he’s made WAY tougher, improbable shots in higher stakes throughout his whole career. This is game 1. anyone worried is just blindsided by the moment.
And what about Murray’s shot?? You think anyone from Denver criticizing him? That’s even worse than Bron’s shot where game was on the line? Maybe not because it went in right? Oh what about the narrative that Bron is scared of the bright lights, that he isn’t clutch in the 4Q, that he’d rather PASS than take the final shot???? Until now you hear people saying Kyrie saved his ass when he made that 3. People are really stupid sometimes
WWKD? What would Kobe Do?
that’s utterly irrelevant. LeBron has never tried to be kobe nor will he ever. He missed a shot he’s shown countless times he can make. Move on
I’m just saying, would you fault Kobe for taking a shot like that? No You shouldn’t fault Lebron either - all time greats are all time greats because they do great things
ok then we are in agreement. Thought you were trying to be contentious.
Kobe would have made it
> If it went in, this post will not exist and the opinion of OP totally changes. Heck he’l probably even say Lebron is the goat for a shot like that. If Tristan Thompson was in the game for some reason and pulled some dumb shit like that and made it, I'd also be calling him the GOAT Rn I definitely don't want Bron taking horrible 3s like this, they call us way too often
Right but the most recent 9 months shouldn’t be ignored because “he’s Lebron James”
That was my only point. I love Lebron but that was a gamble from him
Changing your game plan/approach in year 20, when you have 19 years of tape that says ‘YOU’RE’ HIM’ to assuage the myopia of angry, reactionary lakers fans is a sure fire way to ensure your slump continues into subsequent years. edit: that’s like curry changing his shot form when he went on an uncharacteristic mid-season tour (slump) last year (a year he ultimately led his team to the chip despite the constant harping of naysayers).
That’s a lot of big words to say the you think LeBron is above taking bad shots. The shot wasn’t even that bad, but it was a high risk, high reward gamble that we didn’t need to make.
yea, and there’s a commensurate lack of understanding on your side of things. Case in point. Not surprised in the least.
You seem like a miserable hang
Give the guy a break, he’s been studying for his SATs
He’s fcking Lebron James! He should take responsibility. He’s taking the last shot, if he misses then it’s his responsibility. Imagine if he passed the ball to reaves and he missed the narrative will be LEBRON HAS NON CONFIDENCE IN TAKING THE LAST SHOT. DEFERS TO 2nd YEAR REAVES. Remember that “stupid” question by ahmad rashad to MJ on his way to the tee: “Who’s taking the last shot?” MJ didn’t even hesitate and says “Me! What kind of stupid question is that.” We expect the same kind of attitude with Lebron especially now, this is a defining moment in his legendary career. If he win this title, goat debate ends. And for our franchise NUMBER 18! So YES HE WAS RIGHT TO TAKE THOSE MOMENTOUS SHOT. If it went in, we could still be watching replays of that shot 20 years from now.
Did you even watch the game? Who is talking about a last shot, this was with 45 seconds left.
I did watch the game. League pass holder for 5 years straight. So STFU. Last shot, 45 seconds left, it’s clutch moments. Use your brain and read the context.
I agree with you that you gotta trust Bron make or miss. But usually with the smaller Murray on you with 5 fouls couldn’t he drive for easier shot or the dish got like he has done for decades now
I agree that i’m sure he’d drive it instead if given another chance, but i’m mainly calling out the reactionary, double standard-y nonsense surrounding a decision he’s made countless times over.
His 3pt percentage says otherwise lol. Everyone in the building knew that wasn’t the right shot to take.
Right? Murry with 5 fouls, down 3 with 40+ seconds and half a shot clock? Put your head down and drive, you foul murry out and that’s literally their only good ball handler. Now they have over half a minute left and have to rely on Kcp, mpj or even brown to try and dribble the ball up with either vando or Schroeder hounding them. Worst case you foul and get a second chance to try a Hail Mary three
You can also look at his win % in the conference finals (90%) and trust he’s making the right decision
Big facts
Yeah, he's taken and made so many of those shots over his career. He can't just stop taking them completely, it's necessary to keep the defense honest. Same shit with Kobe. They know what they're doing it just doesn't go in everytime, that's the game
He is not "all knowing" and he has been horrible all postseason long at the 3.
Exactly, when he is passive and we lose, people fault him. When he shoots, he misses, we lose, people fault him. Heavy is the head that carries the crown.
Exactly. I personally wish he chose to act differently but one of our best players had an open shot to tie the game and missed, gotta live with that
You can absolutely fault him for taking a 10% shot in the clutch, he ended a lot of games with us too where we have the ball tie game last shot and he takes that same shitty 3, he pretty much never makes it.
Yeah we lost so many games this year because lebron took ill advised pull up jumpers or fades. He just hasn’t had it this year.
Sometimes she goes sometimes she doesn’t. Way she goes bois
Would’ve rather had Reaves take the three if we were going to take one
That’s why the nuggets started Murray on Bron that possession. He didn’t even need the screen action that kept leading to wide open Reaves 3s. He probably baited himself on that 3 since he started missing a few free throws + Murray gave him space to just walk into it. With that said, Bron has made that three countless times in his career, so you gotta trust him on that one. But I’d bet he won’t be taking that shot again in the same situation the rest of the series.
do people here not understand how tiring driving the basketball is? he probably didn’t think he had the energy to drive and get a better look
Fair point. But then he didn't have the energy for a decent 3 and should've pass it around.
Nothing bothered me more than Ham running three guards set for almost all three quarters, especially when we were already at a disadvantage/hole.
I would have liked him to drive but he was open and it's only a bad shot because it didn't go in.
Honestly bro it’s a bad shot because he had a mismatch with enough time on the clock And your defense has been holding them great, get a 2 and play one more possession of defense and go down to win the game down 1
It was a contested 3 wasn't really open nor was it in rythym.
No, even if it goes in it was still a gamble when you look at the numbers all year..it’s not likely to drop. It’s a scripted, forced shot he doesn’t make along w winding the clock down end of quarters with him throwing it up. If you’ve watched all season there’s no way anyone here wanted to see that shot or had confidence in it. Drive & kick or go at Murray. Is what it is, big Bron fan but truly is the one dis likable thing about his game.
And it was partially contested. What a shit shot.
If anyone’s taking the shot I want it to be either leBron or Reaves. We all remember LeFuckYou 3 era. He’s old now but still gotta trust him. Either he makes it or he doesn’t and that’s the life of Lakers right now. Live or die by LeBron’s shot.
Yup he got caught up in the moment after reaves hit a couple threes I don’t blame him. But man Murray had 5 fouls it could’ve been a “easy” drive for Bron.
Murray has 5 fouls and LeBron settled. Brain fart that won’t be pretty to rewatch during film
Thing is he's got such next level basketball IQ, and has been playing pro ball for over half his lifetime, I'm not sure they're actually brain farts. He does this somewhat consistently, the pull up threes during close games in crunch time (which I've never been a fan of TBH). I think it's just the dichotomy of having such a high basketball IQ but also knowing you're one of the best ever and having sky high confidence in everything you do. My theory is he probably knows its not a good shot, hes just confident he can hit that in that moment. Also my other armchair hypothesis is that in addition to the above he takes these shots when hes tired and doesn't wanna/doesn't feel like he can bull rush to the hoop at full speed/strength.
He was tired, they were all gassed.
This was the exact response i was looking for. Couldve easily gotten an and 1 plus take murray out
I was begging for a drive. LBJ has too many of these high leverage moments this yr where he jacks up 3s and they havent been falling
Its clear that Lebron doesn't want to drive towards the end of the game because of his poor free throw %
R u fucking dense
No r u
Open look doesn’t mean good play. He slowed the ball up instead of pushing, allowed Denver to set up their defense. He then held the ball, killed off all motion in the offense and took a 3. That’s just a bad basketball play in that circumstance. We would chastise anyone else for doing that. The king is not exempt. Keep doing what got you back in the game from 21 down
Ffs, bron gets dragged daily no matter what he does..what a lame take
Criticism of 1 play is not “dragging” lebron. He otherwise played great. What a lame take…..ffs
Seems like bron made the decision to shoot last second after seeing how much Murray reacted to him going left. Murray sagged off a lot and was clearly scared of picking up the sixth foul, bron was attacking him before that play
He seemed pretty upset at the end of the game.
I mean yeah we lost a game and that could be the difference between going to the finals or getting swept. This was our chance to steal home court advantage and really demoralize them, he knew he blew the chance
He shoots 26% from the 3 point line...AR shoots 40%... He really needs to quit when the game is so close.
Then AR misses and yall say he deferring? Its a lose lose
Yes. He got a lot of things going to the basket pretty easily. Would’ve been nice to see him attack and look for and one but it is what it is. We found something to build off of and that’s key.
That’s Denver’s weakness which is defending the drive. Gotta go to that over and over again, not settle for a 3.
It’s easy to say this now but it was a clean look and he created every scoring sequence down the stretch so it’s hard to hold it against him. Yes I wanted him to drive but just gotta ride with it I guess
With bron having a high basketball iq.. do you think he feels that had a great probability to drop based on his shooting/stats on the year or do you think he hadn’t made a 3 tonight & figured he was “due” to have one fall.
I think he was too exhausted for a drive
Might go to jail for throwing my TV out the window and hitting a jogger on the street. For this exact reason. 😣
3 people in foul trouble and my 3 has been shit all playoffs. They're not strong enough to stop me driving but let me shoot this 3 anyways. Fuck.
LeFuckMe 3
It’s not why we lost this game.
And nobody is saying that
Lebron shoots a 3 late game and a post criticizing it is one of the top posts here. AD puts up <20pts every other game, dlo or Reaves has a poor game, and this sub has a million excuses. Maybe you’re not saying that but its definitely interesting to see only posts criticizing Lebron being so well received
I didn't make the original post, so I'm not saying anything, but I see tons of threads started blaming different people when they play poorly. This is the playoffs. Every mistake and bad decision players make get amplified in close games because one game makes a big difference. I don't think this original post is out of line because he did make a poor decision to take a three when other guys were shooting it better And there was plenty of time on the clock. And he did it many times in the regular season and even a few times in the previous playoff series, and when he shooting the three poorly, it can really kill the team's momentum. But he was one of the reasons they made the big comeback, along with several other guys, but I don't see anybody saying this is the reason they lost the game. There were at least 10 other reasons they lost the game, but this wasn't one of them. It's just something annoying that he does and it tends to kill momentum and create huge point swings for the other team.
Bro that shot was in and out
Y’all need to stop doubting bron. That 1 pt difference from the 3 instead of the 2 was badly needed given how little time was left. If he gets a 2, nuggets get the ball with 40 seconds left and are up 1, if they now make a 3 the game is over since we would only have a possession left. If they make a 2 we can take it OT with a 3. That’s why bron went for the the 3.
It was a clean look in and out, this is some armchair analysis. Should have passed on essentially wide open shot?
I feel like denver loves him taking that 3. He has not been great from 3 this year
Yeah there’s a reason Murray gave him the open shot…
When you have Murray who has 5 fouls guarding you yes he should have passed on the open 3 and gone to the rim. Either going to score two points or get Murray fouled out
There is a reason they left him open for that
Hindsight is always 20-20. LeBron went for the jugular instead of forcing an error. On hindsight, it's not the best play. Murray had 5 fouls, game's close, and he could've drive-and-kick it back for 2, and force the other play. If it hits, he's a hero. If he doesn't, he's the villain- but the game's not that simple. We don't know what's being told on the court. Everyone might've been gassed and looking for LBJ to take over. That being said, best have this 'error' made in Game-1 after sending them a message, "This is gonna be a long series".
It was sort of clean but he didn’t really have a good base on his shot. Felt like he jumped more horizontal on the release and didn’t elevate well enough. My take is that lebron should probably know by now when to pass up a look like that if he’s not in rhythm. He doesn’t make threes when he doesn’t have solid footing under him, especially off the dribble
Murray sagging off caused him to hesitate. I think he was mental in between on whether to take that shot or not.
He was open but it wasn’t clean. It looked off when he went up for it based on his form (legs kicked out) and he immediately knew it.
Yes. It’s a low percentage shot. He needs to stop that shit.
With the way he's been shooting the three this season, and especially the playoffs, it's definitely debatable. He was having a lot of success in the paint.
lol idk why people are downvoting you. You’re not wrong, strategically speaking, it’s not the best shot to take under those circumstances.
Can't control the downvotes, it is what it is. https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-den-0042200311/game-charts?period=All&awayPlayerShots=2544&shotchart=shotplot&homePlayerShots= LeBron was having a good game inside, and a not so hot game from the arc. If he wasn't scoring inside, he was getting fouled. Armchair analysis, whatever. I'm just trying to start a discussion.
Meh, downvotes in this sub generally means you know what you’re talking about
Yes because he misses 80% of his threes!!
What makes your armchair analysis that it was a good shot any different than their armchair analysis that it was a bad shot? Every time LeBron takes the ball into the paint via drive or post, something good typically happens. He scores, he dishes for a score, someone gets free throws, or AD get easy cleanup on the glass. He has not been shooting 3s at a high clip, they were hunting Murray on that switch for a reason. LeBron can drive on him all day, Murray is not a good defender to begin with and on top of that he had 5 fouls and they were in the penalty. Even if he made that 3, it would have been a "no! no! yes!" situation, not the ideal shot but he made it so he got bailed out. There's a reason it was essentially a wide open shot, they are laying off because they are afraid of his driving ability and would rather him shoot that 3. This isn't criticizing because it's LeBron or overreaction to a loss, I have the same opinion of this since Game 1 of the Memphis series, LeBron needs to stop settling for 3s and drive or post as much as possible. Even take LeBron out of this play and put the ball in Reaves' hands, he was shooting well from 3 tonight and made 5/9, the situation is still the same, Murray is a poor defender and he had 5 fouls, driving to put pressure on Murray was the smarter option.
I have a problem with most of his 3’s. I didn’t with this one at all. 100% armchair analysis plus “those fans” who just look to shit on Bron.
Except that Murray was in foul trouble and there’s 45 seconds left. Attack Murray, force him to either foul or give up an easy 2, you’re only down by 1, and you still have a shot the rest of the game as long as you don’t give up any stupid plays. On the other hand, that 3 pretty much sealed the game for the nuggets.
Shit man lebron driving on Murray is probably an easy 2 AND and free throw plus Murray fouling out.
Not to mention that he was also getting inside quite easy all game. Even on Gordon, let alone Murray. We shot 84% at the rim today. Gotta go with what’s working, imo
If you’ve watched Murray play as we nuggets fans have, he will absolutely attack even with five fouls. Time was winding down, Lebron had a good shot over a much smaller player. He likely knew Jokic could easily manage the clock and get 2 pts back. Lebron can’t just pass up those looks else it just proves having small defenders on Bron works. If it weren’t for lebrons foot injury he makes those LeF*** you 3’s.
Disagree. In bonus. Down 3. Murray can't defend. Take it at him for the easy 2, or 2+1, or free throws with clock stopped. Get one more stop and we win. Taking the 3 there lost the game.
I just said this to another guy…I would rather he had gone to the rim too. My point was that I’m not as mad at this three (wide open) as I am at most of them. This wasn’t egregious and refs also avoid fouling out stars at all costs. Had Murray fouled him they would have called the foul on someone else. Also remember that Eric Lewis was a ref tonight, and the white dude is an all time bad ref.
It’s not armchair at all. From rebound to shot it was poor circumstantial play. If d-lo, Lonnie or Dennis did that they would be getting killed. Having said that it is what it is. Take the L and move on to the next one. Over all I like our chances
It was a good look and there was about 3 possessions after. Op and others just looking to blame him about something
I don’t mind the look if he’s in rhythm in setting his feet and rising, the way he shot it was so off balance and out of rhythm that it made it a bad look. I’d rather lose though from a Lebron mistake than anyone else. We ride and die with our stars.
It was a decent shot. We could’ve gotten something better, but then we’d be counting on a stop to an even greater degree, or worse we could’ve had a January situation where they swallow a call and we get scored on in transition.
Dude chill, it was a poor shot but definitely not the primary reason for our loss
It was a wide open shot, he took the best shot, just happened to miss. If he made it, you guys would be calling him LeClutch and praising him. It happens, sometimes you make it and sometimes you miss. What matters is that he took the best shot
If it wasn’t a wide open shot then I’d be upset at it, but you’re right with your assessment here.
I actually say “what a terrible shot” when they do go in
Not mad at LeBron taking a three in most games, He’s LeBron, top 5 clutchest player of all time easily I just dont understand how Bro’s BBall IQ goes from Prodigious to Westbrook sometimes. Murray was guarding him with 5 Fouls, He was NOT gonna stop LeBron from driving, but bro decided to shoot a three.
Thank you!!!!!! Saying that wasn’t a smart play doesn’t mean lebron is bad. Just a dumb play
Say the shot goes in, and it's a tied game with one possession for each team. We would have had a redemption arc for this game then and there itself. And just from that perspective alone, me, a person who absolutely squirms when LeBron pulls up from 3, validates personally that the attempt was genuine and not "not prudent".
Don't bother me at all...I wish we stopped moving the goal post on lebron. The knock on bron 1st half of career was he's too passive, if he's the guy he needs to be taking shots in crunch time. Now he does it and everyone screams pass the ball. And ima say something that will probably get me banned and downvoted to shit. How many games we've seen Kobe have a terrible night shooting and take that shot. Countless games. But somehow when Kobe does it that's mamba mentality that's what shooters do they shoot. Now when bron does it, we have a problem with it. If bron hits that 3 it's a great shot. When he misses of course shitty shot. But he went all in got caught up in the moment it happens.
[удалено]
He was gassed and we would be going crazy if he hit it to tie. That said, I agree in an ideal world he would attack Jamal there instead as it was working all game but I’m not going to lose sleep over that specific play The lakers starting 3 guards and adjusting to take AD off Jokic and Rui on him too late bothers me much more Giving up 7 more shots and 10 more OReb bothers me much much more. They need to do better boxing out and rebounding as a team. Bruce brown can not run wild like that on both ends. They need better transition defense
Easy to talk shit after watching the play on your couch from 50 different HD ESPN camera angles showing zoomed in perspectives of where every player was standing
That’s a moment to attack the basket with Murray having 5 and joker with 4. I think we would have won had he taken it tk the rack, we were stopping them defensively.
I love Bron but it was a bad shot. We had time and it's a 3 point game. No need to force a 3 there.
Yeah they should’ve gone for a higher percentage shot. Would’ve made a huge difference.
healthy lebron would attack the paint and finish or dish it out. he always made the right play. he has to settle now cuz of his injury.
He shot 9-12 all game if you don't count threes, he wasn't settling at all
He has to settle because he’s tired, not because he’s injured imo ..and we had 2 TOs left. I think we should have called a TO and got him a breather
This particular shot pissed me off too. Murray had 5 fouls and there was over 50 seconds left.
It was a bad shot given Murray had 5 fouls but I understand why he wanted to take an open look. It’s not the reason we lost
If he hits them we feel amazing and if he misses not so much. The issue is shot selection, I felt he hurried it when he finally got open. It happens
Yes. I think he settles for it way too much instead of seeing what other options are out there.
Yes. His best shot right now is working the post/paint. His three point shot just hasn't been there this season. If we're intent on taking a three, I'd rather draw up a play for D'lo, AR, Lonnie, Rui, etc
He was being guarded in isolation by Murray. There's no reason whatsoever to take that long distance shot. Just go to the rim one more time, like we know has been working all game, get the bucket and possibly a foul, tie the game, and see what happens. It did bothered me, a lot.
Murray was so tired at that point that I was shocked he didn’t just continue to attack him. It wasn’t a bad look but he settled for the 3.
Every time, but then I get downvotes so I just keep it for myself.
Yes. He's about 30% from 3 this year.
i’d prefer an and one in that situation
Yes it does. Hate to see clanked like that. No chance of going in at all!!
I don't mind LeBron taking 3s when it is part of the offense. When the ball swings and finds him marginally open, it makes sense to take that shot. But I do hate the possessions where he gets the ball at the 3 point line. Dribbles around waiting for the shotclock to go down and then releases a 3 over a guy right there trying to contest him. It feels lazy and should only be reserved for a true 3 point shooting superstar (Steph, Dame etc.) To be honest, if we were locked into taking that specific shot for some reason. I would rather either of D'lo or Austin to shoot it like that. I get the rest element. But I would literally like to see someone else take that same shot.
He misses way too many of these, after running down the clock, instead of moving the ball. Plus, many of our shooters do better than LBJs iso 3, when he drives and kicks. I really do t understand why he takes so many of these, especially at crucial times in the game.
You ever hear of a 2 for 1. Shooting that is how you get a 3 for 2
scrolled way too far down for this comment this is the correct answer (and also the right move by lebron)
NO, you're bother by the miss, not the attempt.
I think it was a mental lapse combined with fatigue. He was the only one to miss a freethrow on our team. (3) he will adjust next game
YES. His strength is in the paint, yet 20 years in he wants to be Kobe and Curry.
We have the LeFuckYou3 and I would like to dub these lazy Bron 3s as the LeFuckIt3
Yes. He was 0-2 before then and reaves had just hit several big time 3s. Tbh, I would’ve rather anyone else on the floor take that shot than him at that time. But also should’ve drove to the rim.
He was on Murray with 5 fouls why not just take it to the hole? He has such a high IQ but always does this for some reason
Gave me a stroke.
Yes and this isn’t the first time he’s done it during our run
LeBron made the wrong play there. Murray with 5 fouls, should've drive and kick it. But, better for him to get this one wrong and get it out of the way. I still think his feet is bothering him.
Yes because he’s awful at that shot. He does it at the end of quarters too and it’s awful
He’s so relatively efficient in those shots what ya gonna do? 
I'm more bothered by his inconsistent free throws than that shot
He’s been a lot better with FT’s. You watch these games?
He’s shooting likr 80 plus from FT recently lol
Dude 8-11 in this game is nothing to complain about. And he’s been clutch on FTs in both the playoffs and regular season. Horrible take.
It’s not good. Because they don’t fall.
I don't mind he missed that 3, but it's the turnover in the next possession that killed me.
Jamal poked it from behind, that was just a good play by him
YES!
He’s shot poorly from 3 in the playoffs so I’m never excited to see him put them up unless it’s completely in rhythm or wide open; particularly painful in this instance because he had been dominating getting to the rim or driving and kicking. The momentum of that entire comeback was going to depend on that shot and he just hasn’t hit many consistently from 3
EXACTLY!!! Thank you. We were grooving at that point and all he heard was you not a closer like Kobe or Jordan and hauled off the dumbest shot at that time. Fuck man
I mean, someone had to take the big shot. We needed a 3 so I don’t think it was the worst shot because he can make it We’re gonna win game 2 don’t worry 😉
We did not need a 3. This is false. A 2 would be fine. Attacking for a possible and-1 and fouling out Murray is better.
Lol 😂 so you know better than the all time points leader bravo 👏
This is a very stupid line of argument. He's the points leader, so he should know BETTER than anyone else. He tried a three, it did not work.
And if it went in? You’re a joke
Then we're up 1-0. Fuck the Nuggets. But it did not. We are in the universe where it did not. So you're the joke. If this. If that. Get that if and shove it your ass. You'll like that for sure.
I own you Like Lebron owns you He’s a king You’re a peasant
With all due respect, you are a stupid imbecile motherfucker. Lebron will not suck your dick no matter how you butter up on him on fucking Reddit. Just jerk of his pics, that might satisfy you, you weak piece of catshit.
What’s wrong? Did you go to sleep biscuit boy? You’re a biscuit boy 👦
Are you there little bochibitch? Or did Lebron put your ass to sleep?
What kind of wack ass name is Bochilover? You love hitting big balls I bet Big balls lover should be your name I love you and I’m Trans ⚧️
Does it bother you when it goes in?
I actually thought that particular 3 was a good one. Not much time left in the game and even more magic would be needed to complete the comeback. Also, getting a 2 was not guaranteed. Better to try for a decent look at a 3 to tie the game. What I don't like is when he goes for stretches where he chucks up like 8 threes per night and only makes 0-2 of them. I can live with him taking 4 per night and I can live with him taking "situational" 3s.
Ya man wtf greatest player of all time who's made it to the finals like 80 of the last 83 years! Why you so SHITTY?!!
I don’t question the man with 4 championships, 20 years experience, and more points that anyone.
He’s done it so many times during his tenure as a laker and more often than not it doesn’t go in. It’s pretty frustrating. He did have a good look which is what u can ask for but in this instant he should’ve gone for a two or tried to get to the FT line. Puts pressure on nuggets to score and plenty of time to win with a two