LeBron James’ recent milestone of surpassing Kyle Korver for 7th on the all-time 3-pointers made list was a significant achievement in his illustrious career. However, what has raised some eyebrows is the fact that LeBron has not made a three-pointer since reaching that milestone. While his scoring ability remains as potent as ever, the 39-year-old superstar has struggled with his outside shooting in recent games. This unusual dip in three-point accuracy has led to speculation about whether his shooting slump is simply a temporary issue or something that may signal a shift in his playing style as he enters the later years of his career.
LeBron’s historically reliable scoring has not been reliant on the three-point shot for the majority of his career. Instead, he has dominated by driving to the basket, facilitating for teammates, and using his mid-range game. Over the years, James has gradually incorporated the three-pointer into his arsenal, though it has never been the focal point of his offensive strategy. This makes his current struggles with the long ball somewhat less concerning, as his all-around game remains effective and continues to make him one of the most dangerous players in the league. While fans and analysts may focus on the lack of three-pointers, LeBron’s ability to impact the game in so many other ways is still undeniable.
It’s also worth noting that LeBron’s shooting mechanics have evolved over the years, and he has adjusted his approach to fit the needs of his team. At this stage of his career, the Lakers’ offense revolves around maximizing his versatility, using his ability to create mismatches as a scorer, and his court vision as a facilitator. As a result, LeBron may be focusing less on launching three-pointers and more on getting into the paint or setting up his teammates for open looks. This shift in priorities could explain the recent stretch of games without a three-pointer, as he continues to adjust to the physical demands and team dynamics that come with playing in his 21st season.
Another factor that could explain LeBron’s recent three-point struggles is the increasing wear and tear of his body. While LeBron remains in remarkable shape for his age, the physicality of the NBA season is starting to show. The wear from countless games, including long playoff runs, can sometimes impact a player’s consistency, particularly when it comes to shooting mechanics. The aging process is a reality for every player, and LeBron is no exception. Even though he is still playing at an MVP-caliber level, a slight dip in his three-point shooting could simply be a result of this gradual decline, which is to be expected for someone who has been playing at the highest level for over two decades.
Finally, it’s important to consider the broader context of LeBron’s career and how he remains a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers, even if his three-point shooting isn’t as prominent. His leadership, basketball IQ, passing, and ability to attack the rim are all still elite, and his presence on the court continues to elevate the play of those around him. His three-point shooting may not be where it once was, but his ability to adjust and thrive in different areas of the game proves that LeBron James is far from a one-dimensional player. Whether or not he makes another three-pointer for the rest of the season, his overall impact on the game remains undeniable.