After playing with LeBron James for three years, former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert knows how well prepared the four-time MVP is before games.
During an interview on VladTV, Shumpert recalled an incident where James knew how badly a particular opponent shot from a certain spot on the floor.
Even when the Cavs had an opponent who was shooting extremely well from the field, James would sometimes intentionally leave the hot-shooting player open.
“‘I let him shoot that because in the left corner, he only shoots 26 percent.’” Shumpert remembered James saying to him during a game. “‘He shoots 46 percent from three, but he only shoots 26 percent from the left corner.’
“And you’d be like, ‘Yes, sir!’”
Shumpert’s story could help explain why James, a six-time All-Defensive team member, would sometimes be seen leaving opposing players open, especially during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James was maligned for his lack of defense last season, a fact that was highlighted when teammate Kyle Kuzma pushed him to guard former Los Angeles Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari during a game last year.
Based on Shumpert’s statements, it is possible that James was merely aware of Gallinari’s shooting percentage from the spot he was shooting from, and the Lakers star allowed him to take the uncontested shot.
Gallinari missed the jumper and the Lakers got the rebound.
James’ basketball IQ is well documented, and Shumpert was able to add to James’ legacy with a new anecdote.
