LeBron James revealed on his Mind the Game podcast that he’s a big fan of FIBA’s goaltending rule, which allows defenders to knock the ball off the rim.
LeBron James has played plenty of international basketball under FIBA rules while representing Team USA, and there’s one rule in particular he wishes would make its way into the NBA: FIBA’s goaltending policy.
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Los Angeles Lakers
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In international play, once the ball hits the rim, it’s fair game—defenders can swat it away as it rolls or bounces on the cylinder. In the NBA, that would be ruled basket interference, and the points would count.
Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, Los Angeles Lakers star made it clear how he feels about that rule difference.
“I've been very intrigued with the goaltending rule,” James said. “I actually love it. I love it. It's exciting.”
James went on to explain that while the rule sounds like it could drastically change the game, in reality, it wouldn’t happen as often as some might think.
“It doesn't happen as much as you would think,” he said. “Even when you're playing against the international guys and this is their rule, sometimes the ball is tinkering around the rim and they just kind of (frozen).”
Even in his 22nd NBA season, James continues to shape the game on and off the court, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games.
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