Los Angeles Lakers skills expert Raj breaks down LeBron James defense counter-spin technique and elite defensive IQ that he showcased vs the New York Knicks, specifically on a 1v1 vs Julius Randle in the 4th quarter | Breaking Down LeBron James Defense “Counter-Spin” Technique & Elite IQ
| Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James skills analysis

For reference, I’m a youth basketball coach, movement and mechanics coach, DPT (doctor of physio), sports scientist, researcher, mindfulness clinician and owner of 3CB Performance —providing sports medicine, performance, and mindfulness services online and in-person at clinics in West LA and Valencia, CA.

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Here’s a table of contents:
- 0:00 LeBron returns
- 0:12 Step-by-step breakdown
- 0:39 Counter-spin technique
- 0:57 Eyes on
- 1:19 Who else does it?
- 1:25 Randle’s limited route tree
- 1:59 Bron’s elite combination
- 2:17 Thanks for watching

Script:

Hey it’s Raj from 3CB.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James returned from left knee soreness to lead the team to an overtime victory over the New York Knicks, not missing a beat physically or mentally.

The latter was on full display during this 1v1 defensive sequence vs former Laker Julius Randle showcasing LeBron’s defensive IQ and movement adaptability.

Randle starts his attack with a slight inside-out dribble to try and get LeBron off balance but Bron does a very good job of not allowing Randle to get past the inside foot (pause).

LeBron opens up his hips to get lateral to a potential drive but Randle spins off it and this is where it gets really good.

Bron immediately recognizes the spin AND he knows exactly what Randle wants to do next so LeBron mirrors the spin, turning over his left shoulder because his momentum is already carrying him that direction.  LeBron actually rotates quicker than Randle and (pause) gets his eyes immediately back on to assess the situation and it’s clear at this point that Randle is trying to drive and Bron easily cuts it off.

This is a combination of superb defensive IQ and anticipation combined with high level movement adaptability. You don’t see that counter-spin often because most defenders aren’t seeing 2-steps ahead like that. The other main example I’ve seen use it multiple times is Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday.

Some might be wondering - “well, what if Randle went into a stepback here instead of driving?” (draw line from paused frame) There’s two critical counterpoints to that. Firstly, LeBron’s preparation is unmatched so he already knows what Randle is most likely to do coming off that right shoulder spin - and one of Julius’ main issues, one that became glaringly apparent in the playoffs vs the Hawks and now into this season, is that he has a relatively predictable route tree. LeBron then confirms that notion by getting eyes on first and assessing the situation which confirms that Randle is trying to drive. It’s an elite combination of preparedness, anticipation, and in-game reading of information. Randle is forced to pass the ball for a contested 3 that misses and the Lakers finish the possession with a defensive rebound.

LeBron’s IQ and movement ability is just ridiculous.

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