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LeBron James is primed to enjoy a full NBA season next to a top-five talent in Anthony Davis, and while the two represent an overwhelming load at the offensive end, he knows the secret of this new partnership as part of the Los Angeles Lakers rests in how they play defense.
Much has been said about the drop-off in James' defensive prowess the last few years, no longer the haunting shot-blocking monster waiting to swat shots from behind, but now a gas-saving Prius instead of a hell-on-wheels Mustang going full throttle to its destination. According to James, having a defensive workload is programmed into his DNA:
“I'm born to have workload, it's who I am,” James told ESPN's Brian Windhorst. “Defensively is where we set our mark, and everything else falls into place.”
James' last partner-in-crime was one who bolted for another team, leaving him to fight his own battles in his last year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Davis could take a similar choice at the end of this year if he becomes an unrestricted free agent, but The King is hoping that their communication on the court will help them achieve goals to make this partnership work:
“We're able to take constructive criticism from each other,” James said. “I can get in his ear and he can get in my ear, but it's all to make each other better and challenge each other, which will ultimately be better for the team.
“We're able to be straightforward with one another and not sugarcoat anything and not take anything personal.”
The two stars enter the season as one of the favorites to lead the Western Conference, and they could have a better shot if they start with a defensive mindset and let their offensive genius take its natural course.
