LeBron James thinks that the Los Angeles Lakers can use the same fast-paced playing style he had as a member of the Miami Heat. According to ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward, James said this team can use their defensive potential to their advantage. Getting stops and getting out on the break to score will make the Lakers go this year.
LeBron James on #Lakers style of play & if it'll be similar to #Cavs or #Heat: "I think it will be kind of similar to Miami in the sense we got started with our defense & got out & ran. When you get out & run you are able to get down the floor before defenses set their defense."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) September 27, 2018
LeBron James: "That's what we did a lot in Miami. We started with our defensive side & if you defend, it gives you an advantage on the other end." #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) September 27, 2018
James won two championships in his four seasons with the Miami Heat. Clearly, fast-paced basketball suits him. He just needs the kind of talent around him that can keep up. The Lakers have signed vets like Michael Beasley, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson to help James lead the team this offseason. However, they also have young athletes that can get out and run. Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could all benefit from a bump in pace.
Last year, the Lakers averaged 16.3 points off turnovers a game, ranking them 18th in the NBA. They also averaged 17.5 fast break points per game last season, which put them just behind the league-leading Golden State Warriors. With James spearheading their defense, they will be able to take advantage of their length and athleticism.
When James took his talents to South Beach, NBA fans got some of the most exciting basketball they've seen in years. The Lakers will have to turn up the tempo if they want to compete with the Warriors. They have the personnel to play this way. If they commit, they'll have one of the more exciting offenses in the NBA.
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