LeBron James Blurts Out Secret Over Strange “What The F**k” Strategy & Paul George Connection

In a recent episode on their podcast, ‘Mind The Game,‘ LeBron James and JJ Redick got together to talk about everything related to shooting. The former Orlando Magic player discussed one of his favorite basketball plays with listeners, and it prompted the Lakers player to share an unexpected revelation.

The duo discussed how shooting has evolved in the NBA and how it has completely changed how basketball is now played. They discussed several different styles of three-pointers and other plays but one stood out: a play that derives its name from Paul George.

LeBron James’ secret ‘What the f*ck’ play

In the episode, when Redick started to describe his favorite play to his co-host, LeBron interjected with a question, “Is this ‘What the f*ck’?” This caught Redick off-guard and he in turn asked, “Is that what you call it? I call it Indiana after Paul George.” Redick’s version of the name referred to none other than nine-time NBA All-Star, Los Angeles Clippers forward and shooting guard.

The play was dubbed ‘Indiana,’ by JJ Redick, in honor of George’s time with the Indiana Pacers from 2010–2017, when Redick first saw it in action. Alternatively, LeBron James calls it ‘What the F*ck” because of its ability to surprise and confuse opponents.  Adding to the mystery, LeBron mentioned that even Lakers’ former head coach, Phil Jackson, would refer to the play as ‘What the f*ck,’  implying that this was a tool well established amongst other basketball players and coaches. But what exactly is this enigma of a play?

Paul George’s ‘Indiana’

Described as a ‘pick and roll with a flare screen on the weak side’ by the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast, the ‘Indiana’ or ‘What the F*ck’ play, as LeBron and Phil Jackson like to call it, has become a popular device used as an arsenal by teams across the league. A ‘pick-and-roll’ and a ‘flare screen’ are both offensive strategies used by players to distract opponents from scoring points.

Interestingly, LeBron James and Paul George had quite a few run-ins on the court when the former was with the Miami Heat and the latter was still with Indiana. Naturally, LeBron must have had first-hand experience with George’s famous ‘Indiana’ play. In the landscape of professional basketball, where players use an endless list of strategies, plays, and tactics, a play by the name of ‘What the F*ck’ is a first. Tune into King James’ podcast to hear more from him on other underrated plays and about everything else basketball-related.