Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: LeBron James Finally Explains Why He Passes The Ball In Clutch Situations
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis > LeBron James Finally Explains Why He Passes The Ball In Clutch Situations

LeBron James Finally Explains Why He Passes The Ball In Clutch Situations

LeBron James has often caught flak for his decision to pass the ball to an open teammate in clutch situations. In a recent podcast episode, James addressed the reason behind such decisions.

Siddhant Gupta
May 16, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has routinely been criticized for passing up the shot in the game’s biggest moments. However, the forward addressed these critiques and responded to them on an episode of “Mind The Game“.

“I realized that when I got into the NBA, I won three state championships in high school,” said James. “I thought it was something all NBA players did.”

The forward addressed that he couldn’t believe that several players in the league hadn’t won state championships or AAU national championships during their youth careers. 

With this in mind, he added, “I absolutely was taught the game the right way. We all succeeded and had fun doing it. We found so much enjoyment in being able to play the game the right way.”

“I never averaged more than 30 points in high school,” he continued. “I could have averaged 50 points a game in my junior and senior years, but it was never about that. It was about how can I maximize my teammates, how can I get the most out of my teammates in order for all of us to be successful.”

“I felt like ultimately, in order for me to win in the pros, even though it’s a different level, I couldn’t give up the essence of what made me fall in love with the game that I was taught, even with the criticism.”

James addressed that this manner of critique followed him even in the latter part of his career, as recent as the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. In a clutch situation in Game 5, James drew the attention of the Heat defense and passed the ball to the top of the key, resulting in an open look for Danny Green from three-point range. 

The Heat defense locked up the Lakers to clinch Game 5. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/TDGfPcsNOx

— ESPN (@espn) October 10, 2020

Although Green’s shot missed the mark, James continues to defend that it was the right play to make in the situation.

Unfortunately, James’ decisions have always been a topic of debate in the media. Whether he opts to be selfish or selfless, the Lakers forward is consistently subjected to media scrutiny.

In more recent times, the 40-year-old found himself criticized for allegedly faking his injury claims at the end of the Timberwolves series. While there is very limited evidence to attest to this, the concerns regarding his injury were certainly felt by Lakers fans.

After seeing yet another campaign come to a disappointing end, James and the Lakers need to revisit their plans for the offseason. While the team has been a central figure in all offseason chatter, their future involving the forward remains a bit of a question mark.

There are some indications that the star will opt out of his contract and re-sign on a two-year, $105 million deal. While this is reassuring, it is detrimental to the team’s cap space. 

Considering their aspirations to bring in star-caliber talent, or even just to build a championship roster, having James take up that much cap space may not be advisable in the long haul.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
BySiddhant Gupta
Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
Previous Article Jayson Tatum Injury Update: Celtics’ Star’s Recovery Period Could Be Cut Short Due To Rushed Surgery
Next Article Michael Jordan Won’t Do Live Segments For NBC’s Coverage Of The NBA, Per Reports
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Warriors star Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Stephen Curry Says Jimmy Butler Gives Warriors “Legitimate Shot” At 2026 Title

October 3, 2025
JJ Redick
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Richard Jefferson Reveals Major Flaw In JJ Redick’s Coaching

October 3, 2025
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Austin Reaves Recalls Luka Doncic’s First Game Back In Dallas After Blockbuster Trade

October 3, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?