LeBron James is exceptionally skilled at playing off the ball. He has been the top player in Off-ball cutting for the past three seasons. Recently, the media compiled and released a ranking of Off-ball cutting scores for all players over the past three seasons.
LeBron James, who excels at playing off the ball, ranked first during this period, averaging 1.6 points per possession.
Off-ball play includes cutting without the ball and moving into positions to receive passes and take shots. LeBron James is not particularly proficient in long-distance off-ball movements like running to find open spots for quick catch-and-shoot opportunities.
His strong and sturdy physique doesn't support that style of play. However, LeBron James possesses excellent abilities in other aspects.
LeBron James' off-ball cutting can be described as top-tier. His off-ball movements include direct cuts, cuts after setting screens, and cuts around screens. He can execute straight cuts, back cuts, curl cuts, vertical cuts, horizontal cuts, and V-cuts, among others.
His cuts are quick, explosive, and highly effective. Combined with his historic level of finishing around the rim, he catches opponents off guard.
He is also skilled at cutting after setting screens. Although his screen-setting quality may not match that of traditional big men, his robust physique ensures a high-quality screen, allowing him to cut into the restricted area and score rapidly.
On average, the player setting screens for him earns 1.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 60%.
LeBron James is capable of cutting around screens, which can lead to various team tactics, such as flex cuts (cuts in a zigzag pattern), UCLA cuts, and shuffle cuts.
While LeBron James is primarily known as a ball-dominant player and is often considered one of the greatest point guards in history, his off-ball skills tend to be underestimated.
Off-ball cutting is a crucial aspect of playing without the ball, so it's expected that players who excel in finishing plays and who dominate in the paint, would be among the top three in off-ball cutting scores.
However, LeBron James, a perimeter player who frequently handles the ball, surpasses them all in off-ball cutting, demonstrating his dominance even over many big men who specialize in finishing plays or creating havoc in the paint. This underscores LeBron James' exceptional abilities.
LeBron James is an incredibly versatile player. He is the only player in history to have played all five positions, from point guard to center, both in All-Star games and regular seasons. In seasons where LeBron James primarily played as a small forward, point guard, or power forward, he has won championships and earned Finals MVP honors.
When his team needs him to increase ball-handling duties, LeBron James can lead his team to victory. When his team needs him to score relentlessly, LeBron James can lead his team to victory.
And even when his team needs him to give up ball-handling responsibilities and play off the ball, LeBron James can still continuously lead his team to championships.
