The Best Point Guard

Chapter 367: Chapter 112: James, I’ll Own You for a Lifetime

LeBron James had made great strides this season. Despite the Cavaliers losing several key players, their record was firmly locked in at sixth or seventh place in the East. While the playoff race in the East wasn’t particularly fierce, the improvement in his leadership was plain to see.

Moreover, James had left Carmeron Anthony far behind this year. To date, he was averaging 27.6 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game—incredibly well-rounded, superstar-level numbers. Compared to his rookie season, it was a massive improvement.

This was why basketball experts fawned over him. James was, indeed, one of the rarest superstars in basketball history. A number one draft pick straight out of high school, a Black man from a humble background who, after achieving fame and fortune overnight, still managed to control his desires and train relentlessly to enhance his abilities. Add to that his God-given physical gifts... he truly deserved all the praise.

It was just that he was too eager to be the King who ruled over everyone else. Amidst the thunderous adulation, he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge Su Xi’s existence, let alone look up at Su Xi’s dazzling achievements.

This season, Su Xi was averaging 23.5 points, 10.6 assists, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 steals—also superstar-level numbers. Statistically, they each had their strengths. James’s scoring volume and efficiency were slightly higher, but Su Xi was currently second in the league in assists and first in steals.

They were both leagues ahead of their peers from the 2003 draft class, but in terms of their individual stats, they were on the same level.

But James’s supporters always found a way to make him come out on top. In all sorts of statistical model comparisons, James was always given the edge.

In past comparisons, the narrative was that Su Xi only had a better record because he was surrounded by strong teammates, whereas James was not.

Now, with three of Su Xi’s key players suspended, the playing field was finally level.

Given the circumstances, how could LeBron James possibly lose such a fair duel?

The basketball experts asserted with confidence.

James was raring to go.

Su Xi was calm.

It was Carlisle who sensed the storm clouds gathering. He said to Su Xi, "Jack, right now, every sports media outlet in the United States is just waiting to see you lose to LeBron James. The hype around him this season is immense. If he beats you, his prestige will reach an all-time high."

"Don’t be fooled by how objective these American basketball analysts pretend to be. Deep down, they’re all parochial nationalists, and they love to push a narrative of Black supremacy."

"Our roster is shorthanded this time, and we haven’t ironed out our new strategies. Plus, their current head coach was our assistant last season. He knows us inside and out. This is going to be tough."

Carlisle laid out the situation for Su Xi.

The Pacers’ lead assistant coach from last season, Mike Brown, had been poached by the Cavaliers over the summer to become their new head coach.

He built an entirely new lineup around James, moving him to the small forward position instead of having him play point guard or shooting guard. This move greatly unleashed James’s strengths while mitigating his weaknesses.

James had decent playmaking ability, but his handles were relatively unrefined. He relied more on his body for powerful, bulldozing drives to the basket.

James’s ability to score at the rim was historic. He had a strong contested shot off the dribble and could hit open threes at a decent clip. However, he lacked a shooting guard’s ability to create his own shot and get a tough bucket in the crucial elbow area.

His help defense instincts were excellent, but he lacked patience in one-on-one defense. He had a habit of ball-watching and was overeager to chase steals and start fast breaks.

Based on these traits, Mike Brown had tailor-made a system for him. James played the small forward (3) position but directed the offense like a point guard (1), had the shooting freedom of a shooting guard (2), and played a sweeping, help-oriented defensive role at the 3 to start fast breaks.

When the other Cavaliers players were all geared to support him, the team ran quite smoothly. Their offensive and defensive efficiency were much higher than they had been under Selas last season.

Selas, after all, was an old-school head coach. He wasn’t as flexible or open-minded as Mike Brown.

Mike Brown was easygoing and professionally skilled. Most importantly, he was a good guy. At home, he was well-aware of the mantra ’happy wife, happy life.’ During his time with the Pacers, he was known for following orders. Now with the Cavaliers, it was naturally ’happy Little King, happy everybody.’

"James can’t beat me."

Su Xi gave Carlisle a resolute look.

Su Xi had never doubted it. He and James had once been the closest of friends, sharing a deep bond, even though they no longer spoke. Back then, they had played one-on-one countless times. Su Xi had even copied many of his physical talents from James.

So, Su Xi knew James’s game inside and out.

James’s skills had certainly improved. His application of his athletic gifts had gotten better, and his feel for the game would be sharper.

But one thing would never change: his fundamental basketball framework.

Not unless he was willing to go through a complete and painful overhaul of his game.

Or do what Su Xi did: build an ’offensive logic’ from scratch, with a complete disregard for efficiency.

James couldn’t do either, nor would he ever try.

And as long as James didn’t do those two things...

Su Xi would have LeBron James’s number for life.

LeBron James might be able to take on the whole league with his methods, but against Su Xi, he would always hit a wall.

Unless he avoided a direct confrontation with Su Xi.

「Game day arrived.」

The Cavaliers had a new owner and a new arena this season. The new owner was undoubtedly wealthier than Gand. After Gand had drafted James, the team’s market value skyrocketed, and he had unhesitatingly sold it off, retaining only a small portion of the shares for himself.