When Mind the Game came out last year, the promise was for “getting back to the game we love by dissecting the X’s and O’s.” And after seeing the high basketball IQ on display with both Redick and Nash as co-hosts, they’ve more than delivered on that. But who knew that LeBron James would be the one doing the dirty dissecting much better than his co-anchors? Granted that his dominating presence on the court is enough to class him the GOAT. But on the latest episode, he really brought his IQ into the spectrum too, and it didn’t disappoint.
Historically, teams who struggled with individual defensive responsibilities frequently used zone defenses to cover flaws. However, there is a rising appreciation for the benefits of man-to-man defence, prompting more clubs to include it into their practice routines, even if it is not their primary in-game tactic. And this is the case with all teams. That’s why James dubbed the NBA a “copycat league” on the episode. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“If a team that is historically not good in man-to-man defense, then it’s something that will be introduced. I think more teams are practicing it. I can say that I believe more teams are practicing it even if they never show it a game. But they’re thinking about it. And I will say that I can see it happening more over the next few years,” said James on the pod.
Man-to-man marking really suits the league more. We already see it with the Heat. “You play Miami, they will literally start the game and fall into a zone. And they’re just making you think. They’re very active in their zone. They have great principles. You can tell they work on it. They’re just trying to make you think. Instead of just reading, reacting- they want you to think about what you want to do, who you put guys in various positions and places,” said James on Miami’s influential playstyle. But there’s more to it than that.
Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The NBA is already dominated by “star” figures in every team. So much so that the NBA’s Player Participation Policy forces a team to sit out not more than one star in every game. Man-to-man marking promotes individualism, and helps those potential stars come into the spotlight. It also allows for more dynamic defensive schemes, including switches and double-teams. So do LeBron James’ observations make more sense now?
The Lakers fans must be screaming into a pillow right now. All they’ve wanted since their blowout to the Timberwolves is the status of their King. Instead they’re getting news about the future of the NBA and their defensive shapes. But they’d be more relieved after ESPN’s Shams Charania gave a positive update of their GOAT and his stay in Los Angeles.
Shams: “I’m told LeBron James is likely to opt in”
The next season is kinda storied if this turns out to be true. It’s year 23 for number 23- an unprecedented year of dominance. The All-Star weekend is also set to happen in Los Angeles next year. And on top of that, LBJ is up for a $54 million player option extension. So putting two and two together, all this points to James finally signing that extension with the Lakers.
“I’m told he’s likely to opt-in. He’s got a player option about $54 million… That’s likely. That’s the plan. But again, his option date, is June 29th. So he still has about a month to figure out. There’s going to be some hard conversations that are going to happen between him, the Lakers, seeing what this team looks like. Because listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment. And I said it when I came on when their season ended. He’s probably going to opt in because the option is so big,” said Shams on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I’m told LeBron James is likely to opt in..
He’s got a massive player option and that’s the plan..
He still has about a month to figure that out”@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8mzUsMCU9r
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 27, 2025
So, LeBron James is likely to re-sign with the Lakers. Isn’t that fantastic news for all involved? His retirement is coming soon, which will send the NBA into ruptures when it does happen. But after seeing his in-depth analysis of the future of the Association’s defensive strategies, can you see the King on an ESPN desk in the near future?
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