Austin Reaves’ recent remark about LeBron James avoiding 1-on-1 basketball because it’s “not real basketball” sheds light on LeBron’s unique approach to the game. LeBron, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has always emphasized the team aspect over individual dominance. His game is built around facilitating plays, reading defenses, and ensuring that everyone on the court is involved, making him one of the best all-around players in NBA history.
LeBron’s avoidance of 1-on-1 drills likely stems from his belief that basketball is a team sport at its core. In a typical game, individual matchups aren’t isolated the way they are in 1-on-1 settings. The constant movement, ball rotation, and team coordination that define real basketball games don’t exist in a 1-on-1 scenario. Instead, 1-on-1 can be seen as more of an isolated test of individual scoring ability, which isn’t how LeBron defines his success on the court.
Throughout his career, LeBron has shown a preference for making the right basketball play, even if it means passing to an open teammate rather than forcing a shot. This mentality has earned him praise for being unselfish, though it has also drawn criticism from those who think he should be more aggressive in certain moments. However, this team-first philosophy has helped him win multiple championships and become one of the best facilitators in the game.
Reaves’ statement reveals how deeply LeBron is committed to the more cerebral, team-oriented aspects of basketball. For him, it’s not just about outscoring an opponent in a personal duel; it’s about understanding the nuances of the game and using every player on the court to create opportunities for success.
