It’s important to note that LeBron James always had a jump shot that at least looked good and he used from time-to-time, dating all the way back to his high school days. But it wasn’t until he was pushed to the game’s biggest stage that his inconsistent shooting had become such a problem that it was getting in the way of his growth.
The 2007 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, a sudden crash after the highs of LeBron plowing through the Detroit Pistons for the first time, exposed James’ inconsistent jump shot as Gregg Popovich and co. dared him to shoot from the outside en route to a sweep. Fast forward about 12 years and now James is one of the most prolific outside shooters in NBA history, passing Peja Stojakovic for No. 18 on the NBA’s 3-point leaderboard, against those same Spurs.
James reflected on the part the Spurs played in his growth as a player, to the point where he wants to have “no weaknesses.”
"I just want to be able to not have any weaknesses… just trying to be the most complete basketball player I can be."
Hear from @KingJames following tonight's win. pic.twitter.com/9XmOiAgH8T
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 26, 2019
After pushing through the Pistons in 2007, the Spurs became LeBron’s primary nemesis for the next seven years. Although he also had battles with the Boston Celtics in the East, James would meet the Spurs twice in the Finals during his years with the Miami Heat.
But without the Spurs James would likely never have been pushed to be the shooter he has become. And adding a more consistent 3-point shot to his arsenal has also allowed him to produce at incredible levels even during his 17th season.