I've got my fingers crossed that this is exactly the correct reason for LeBron's passive play. It certainly makes sense given the on-court evidence and can be the only logical answer for his play.
It doesn't entirely explain his lack of defensive attention and focus, but I think to some degree it goes ways in providing reason for what we have seen so far.
The only issue for me at this point, is how this weighs on the team mentally. If this were the case and LeBron deliberately isn't going in takeover mode each night, I wonder if he's outlined this to his teammates? I wonder if they're aware?
Because if I'm playing beside LeBron James and I see some of the things he's been doing in comparison to what I've seen him do years prior, I'm starting to drop my head, worry, and lose confidence in the teams ability to succeed.
The issue with LeBron being the leader and setting the example is just that. If LeBron isn't showing that tenacity for winning basketball, how does the team learn it? He can't have it both ways. And as evidence has it (the games he was aggressive and scoring, the team as a whole looked more fluid, potent and cohesive and as a result were winning games), it's going to be mightily challenging for LeBron to withdraw for the sake of his team learning how to win playing team basketball and setting an example of how to win ball games simultaneously.
One has to wonder that if indeed LeBron is intentionally not being aggressive and taking over games (and reverting to early contested fadeaway jumpers which I'm still confused about?), is this really the best way for the team to grow in the long term, given the evidence? Seems there's a very significant swing on the psychological impact of the team when their leader isn't leading that might be more of a detriment than a catalyst for growth in the long-run.
Fantastic post. I was getting worried, this place is like a graveyard. Right on, you are completely on the money. You know it and I know it; sometimes LeBron just reverts back to "getting my teammates involved" mode where he's not imposing his physical will on the basketball game. It was the same story with the 06-09 Cavs teams, when James came out agressive, those other guys got into a rhythm and we'd run teams out of the gym. He inspired their confidence.
When the leader is psychologically removed from the game, they freeze up, like deer in a headlights,
every time.
Sure LeBron has the experience, but he damn sure isn't helping this situation. His tough love isn't going to work, it's going to alienate him from his teammates. In order to
build the trust, he's going to have to come out of this bunker that he's built up. He knew it would be a long process, but stop being a bitch about it and admit there's plays you fucked up too. Encourage these guys rather than berating them and pointing fingers and acting like you were infallible and they're the reason you ultimately fell short.
He thinks he's better than these guys, they're playing catch up to him right now, in reality he needs to put up or shut up. If he comes out and sets the tone of the game off the bat, it's going to elevate 4-5 other guys confidence level, and in the game of basketball confidence is everything. We'll win.
That doesn't happen when he goes into "getting my teammates involved" ball. That's passive LeBron, make the textbook play and nobody will question you LeBron. When LeBron comes out of the gate and tries to stuff it down someone's throat, that's when his teammates get up for him,
they'll be in the spots that he's anticipating. Problem is he's just not going as hard as he used to, and that throws off the tempo of the game for these other guys who need him to be the leader, they need to see him going all out, and in return they'll do anything to help the team win. We're losing because of
effort right now. It's partly personnel, but a lot of it is effort and focus related. LeBron needs to set the tone.
