In a recent Mind the Game podcast, LeBron James revealed he's "never been able to master" going right on mid-range jumpers.
Even after two decades at the highest level, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James continues to look for ways to improve his game.
Points this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
In a recent Mind the Game podcast, while talking to Steve Nash and Kevin Durant, the NBA superstar opened up about a skill he's still never fully mastered — the mid-range shot going to his right.
"But it's something I still, to be honest, it's something I haven't been able to master in my career. I work on it. Improved a lot, though," LeBron admitted.
While confident going to his left, LeBron said the right-side mid-range jumper has long caused him issues with rhythm and balance.
"Going left with my midi, I feel really effective with that. I feel like I got great balance with it... I can go straight up and down going left. I can fade out. You know, it’s just all the powers over there," he explained.
"Going right has always been a little like, you know, sometimes my balance is off. Sometimes I don't know if I should fade on the shot or if I should go straight up and down. And it's always kind of messed with me mentally, even though I work on all of them."
The four-time MVP highlighted the importance of finding the "pocket" in his shot — the spot where he feels most in control of the release. He referenced Chris Paul as a player who's elite in that area.
"The one person that is unbelievable going right with his pocket, no matter where it is, is like Chris Paul. He can almost shoot... without even dribbling and keep it, and then just rock it. He can shoot it from here. Triple threat or off the dribble," LeBron said.
He also admitted that he's sometimes unsure whether to rise straight up or fade when shooting right. That indecision, even for someone of LeBron's caliber, is rare insight into the small margins that separate good from great.
"Do you feel like if you take mid-range, you settle it throughout your career?" LeBron was asked.
"Yeah, for sure. For sure," he responded honestly.
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 51.8% from the field, and 37.6% from the arc.
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