Lakers News: LeBron James Shoots Fadeaways Because Of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan LeBron James Lakers
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has truly evolved offensively over his 20 years in the NBA, as is to be expected with a career spanning that length of time. One of the biggest criticisms early on in LeBron’s career was his lack of a post-up game, but as Lakers fans know all too well now, he can operate just fine on the block and regularly employs his fadeaway jumper.

That fadeaway shot is a signature move of many throughout the history of the NBA, but it namely grew to fame from Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Of course, the late, great Lakers legend Kobe Bryant also became very much known for the shot as he emulated Jordan, and as it turns out, LeBron is doing the same.

In an interview with Kyle Goon of the Southern California News Group, LeBron spoke about his fadeaway jumper, calling it unguardable and noting that he shoots them because that’s what he grew up watching Jordan do:

“I literally shoot fadeaway shots because of Michael Jordan, because I watched him my whole life shooting that fadeaway shot,” said James, who is now 36 points from breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s record. “My shot, it’s totally different, but it’s an unguardable shot. I can’t emulate it because we have different forms, different body types, things of that nature, but Michael Jordan for sure.”

As James noted, he and Jordan have completely different body types and physical builds so to completely emulate the fadeaway in the way that Kobe did is impossible. But the Lakers star has figured out how to make it work for him and he is able to get the shot off in basically any situation.

Because of LeBron’s size and physicality, he is able to knock the defender back on his heels more often than not and create that necessary space to get his shot off against anyone. The defense knows what’s coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stop as LeBron regularly gets buckets from it.

No one, LeBron included, would consider this his signature shot, but he undoubtedly mastered it to the point where he can employ it against any defense, and it is responsible for a whole lot of his points throughout his career.

Lakers’ LeBron James compares scoring record to baseball’s home run record

Thanks to that fade away, among many other moves in his repertoire, James is soon to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who has held the record for nearly 40 years. In reflecting on the record itself, LeBron compared it to that of Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record in baseball.

James noted that both records seemed like they would never be broken with many all-time greats never coming close. But following along in that chase to break the record was something extremely fun and joyous overall.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Patrick Beverley Got Austin Reaves Back For Doing ‘Too Small’ Celebration Last Season

The Los Angeles Lakers came crashing back down to Earth as they got blown out by the Philadelphia 76ers, snapping their three-game…

Lakers News: Jalen Hood-Schifino Shares His First Interaction With LeBron James

Due to the competitive nature of the Los Angeles Lakers, the need for young talent has taken a backseat…

NBA News: Doug Collins Wants to Turn Spencer Hawes into Pau Gasol

After acquiring Dwight Howard in the blockbuster deal that sent Andrew Bynum…

Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Says Lakers Were ‘Rewarded’ With Illegal Screen Calls In Game 4 Win

In a back-and-forth battle like the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 victory over the Golden State Warriors, every single moment could…