Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has had one of the most successful NBA careers ever. Having dominated the game across different eras, the four-time champion is in a class of his own. These factors that former NBA player Tracy McGrady claimed that James could have been the GOAT if he played in a specific system.
On a recent appearance on “Gil’s Arena“, McGrady noted how dominant James would have been if he played in the triangle offense. He said:
“If Bron got introduced to the triangle at an early age, Bron would have expanded his game tremendously… He’s not as fast or uber athletic like he once was. But if we take Bron who he is now, with the athleticism, speed, and everything, agility, and put him in that triangle, learning that, I don’t think there’s any question who the greatest player would be.”
The triangle offense was a strategy popularized by Phil Jackson‘s Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers teams. The most basic principle of the triangle offense was to provide a player with two outlets at all times, effectively creating triangles and establishing a positional overload wherever the ball moves. But it was far more intricate than that.
The triangle offense was immensely effective, resulting in significant championship success for Jackson’s teams. Structurally sound, it created chances for players such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to be effective and dominate.
In this regard, for the NBA’s All-Time scoring leader, the system may have had a major impact on his overall performance, allowing him to maintain longevity without putting as much strain on his body early in his career.
Regardless, the challenges of this hypothetical situation lie in James’ abilities as a player. The forward is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent players the game has ever seen. While being a gifted scorer, he is also an impeccable passer and playmaker.
As seen during his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the offense tends to run through James, who acts as the control tower, uplifting the performance of his teammates. While his ability to become the system is beyond impressive, it restricts him in a role, which McGrady believed hindered his growth. He continued.
“In a triangle, it grows, right? Now he becomes a complete player because you have to be the closer in the triangle. And it gives you the clearance and space to operate because of all the other s**t that’s going on. I think he would’ve learned the footwork, play with his back to the basket because that’s where he didn’t master.”
James has often been criticized for passing the ball in critical moments, primarily due to his decision to make the “right” play in that situation. While he stands by these choices, it is evident that with a shift in mindset, he would have been considered a more dominant scorer.
Still, entering his 23rd season in the NBA, the 40-year-old forward remains an immensely productive player. Now paired with Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ superstar duo will look to win the championship next season, arguably cementing James’ status as the GOAT.
