Public opinion has a classic topic, that is, "James will not play without the ball", but according to the multiple sets of data posted by Lakers reporter Alex Regla, after Wei Shao joined the Lakers, James took the initiative to adjust his playing style. James's usage and assist rates have fallen sharply this season, but the assist rate of 43% has reached a new high in nearly 17 years, and 50% of the goals scored under the basket have been assisted to tie the career record, all of which prove that James is also a master of playing without the ball.
When James and Thick Brow led the Lakers to win the championship in 2020, they folded a round trip in 2021 and formed a big three lineup this season, which is undoubtedly eager to fight for the championship again. It's just that Wei Shao has always been a player who needs to have the ball in his hand, he is a big core play with the ball, and James has played the same way in the past, and Wei Shao has obvious shooting weaknesses, which naturally makes James the person who is forced to make changes.
According to Lakers reporter Alex Regla,000, James' series of stats this season are proof that James is constantly changing:
New low in the last 8 years: 32% usage, a new low since the 2012-13 season.
New 15-year low: 30.6 percent assists, a new low since the 2006-07 season.
New high in nearly 17 years: 43% assists, a new high since the 2004-05 season.
Tied career record: 50% assists on goals from the basket, compared with 41%, 26% and 41% in the previous three seasons.
New high in last six seasons: 58 percent assists for three-pointers, a new high since the 2015-16 season.
There is no doubt that the arrival of Westbrook has changed James's playing style, especially the recent James became the Center of the Lakers, and the performance of "Zhan Center" is also a continuous highlight, and has been bombarded with 30+ points in 7 consecutive games to set the oldest record.
With Westbrook's use rate of 31.6% this season, becoming the highest among James' career teammates, the rest of James' teammates have never reached 27.7%, allowing James to complete the transformation, and James, who has changed to playing without the ball, has also continued to highlight and prove his all-round attributes.
(Text/Drunken Floating Life)