LeBron James keeps collecting signature moves. As a young, raw prospect, his explosive tomahawk dunk became a nightly show for thousands of fans. Then in 2016, he claimed the chase-down block after swatting Andre Iguodala’s potential game-winning layup in the Finals. In recent years, with the era of shooting, the look-down three has become a stable part of his offensive arsenal. But does he have something new in store for Paris before departing from international basketball?
The video of Stephen Curry making 105 threes in a row baffled the NBA community. The King might have one-upped him. In preparation for the upcoming Paris games, LeBron James was seen practicing his outside shooting. The only catch was he was experimenting with his non-shooting left hand.
In the footage acquired from Essentially Sports’ Grant Afseth, the Akron Hammer nailed three such shots in a row. At this point, James might as well gravitate to his natural hand. For those unaware, LeBron James does everything on the basketball court with his right hand. But in reality, the 39-year-old is a southpaw.
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LeBron James was hitting left-handed 3-pointers with ease before today's Team USA practice in Paris.
Find more Olympic coverage on @es_sportsnews. pic.twitter.com/i92UqxnKut
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) July 25, 2024
It was in December last year that LeBron James first debuted the left-handed jumper before a game against the San Antonio Spurs. At the time he jokingly said he has plans for a unique NBA career after completing 40. “Then, after 40, I’m gonna go all left hand until I’m 45. I’m gonna score 5,000 points with my left hand. Then I’ll be done,” he said about his retirement plans.
Well, this might be the preparation for it all.
LeBron James’ Left-Handed Mastery
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LeBron hitting lefty threes at 38—can he really dominate the NBA until he's 45?
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Of the many opponents of LeBron James in his illustrious career, none endured punishment like the Toronto Raptors. For years they met in the postseason, and there was James, casually throwing them out year after year. In 2017, he took the disrespect to a whole new degree. As the Cleveland Cavaliers ran off in Game 3, the Akron Hammer began to experiment with his southpaw game.
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He hit three perfect floaters, all a product of his unstoppable spin move, and they saw nothing but nylon. There was also a moment in the 2010 playoffs against the Chicago Bulls when, because of an ailing right arm, LeBron James shot a free throw with his left hand. He missed on that occasion.
For the ardent watchers, James finishing with the left with such ease is mesmerizing. But in 2017, the 39-year-old revealed it isn’t coincidence or luck that helps with making lefty floaters. “I’m pretty much a left-hand guy. I don’t take many of those shots, but I’m capable of making those shots. I work on my craft. I work on both hands,” he said.
Now, participating in his self-proclaimed last Olympics, will LeBron James eclipse absurdity and use his southpaw three in a game? Let us know what you feel in the comments below.
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And to absorb more interesting stories, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where the prodigy puts Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr under the pump with loaded NBA questions and more in this video below.
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LeBron hitting lefty threes at 38—can he really dominate the NBA until he's 45?