LeBron James’ Surprising Adaptations to Sustain Excellence in the 2023/24 Season

LeBron James, at the age of 39, continues to defy expectations and maintain his status as one of the NBA’s premier stars. In the 2023/24 season alone, he averaged 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists with a shooting efficiency of 53.8%.

Despite his remarkable consistency, LeBron has had to adapt his game as he navigates the challenges of aging. No longer able to rely solely on his explosive drives to the basket due to physical limitations, he has adjusted his approach.

So, what’s the secret behind LeBron’s enduring excellence in the 2023/24 season? The answer lies in his three-point shooting, a skill he has relentlessly honed throughout his career.

According to insights from Dave Hopla, a renowned shooting coach who has closely studied LeBron’s career since 2023, LeBron’s improvement in three-point shooting has been instrumental in maintaining his peak performance in the NBA.

Previously, LeBron had a tendency to lean left when taking three-pointers, which affected his accuracy. However, he has made significant strides in this area in recent years, as noted by Hopla in an ESPN interview.

Reflecting on LeBron’s rookie season in 2003/04, where he shot just 29% from beyond the arc, it’s clear how far he’s come. Despite gradual improvement over the years, LeBron was never considered a proficient three-point shooter.

But that narrative has shifted in recent seasons. In the 2023/24 season, LeBron boasts a remarkable three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%, far above the league average of 36.6%. His stellar performance includes moments like sinking 9 out of 10 three-pointers against the Brooklyn Nets, a feat that seemed almost impossible even in practice sessions.

LeBron’s last season with a three-point percentage above 40% was in 2012/13, but he attempted far fewer threes per game back then compared to the 5.2 attempts per game he’s averaging in the 2023/24 season.

By enhancing his three-point shooting, LeBron not only adds a potent threat to his offensive arsenal but also preserves energy for crucial moments on the court—a vital consideration at 39 years old.

His stellar form offers hope for the Los Angeles Lakers as they aim to navigate the Play-In tournament and make a deep run in the 2023/24 NBA Playoffs.