![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-29T060537Z_81622082_MT1USATODAY19523391_RTRMADP_3_NBA-INDIANA-PACERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) and guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-29T060537Z_81622082_MT1USATODAY19523391_RTRMADP_3_NBA-INDIANA-PACERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) and guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics was a thrilling game that needed overtime for the winner to be decided. However, the Pacers were up by three points in the final minute and within seconds of clinching Game 1 on the road. Ultimately, they lost the game and, LeBron James took to X to reiterate the advice he was seen preaching on his podcast a few weeks ago. But his former NBA championship-winning teammate had the opposite take.
LeBron wrote “And yall still wanna know why I would foul up 3 EVERY SINGLE TIME?? 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️” a disappointed King James tweeted. Earlier, on an episode of his Mind The Game podcast, LeBron explained why a team with a three-point lead should always foul their opponent in the final seconds of the game.
Richard Jefferson on the Road Trippin’ podcast said, “He (Pascal Siakam) did everything he could to avoid fouling him because he knew he wasn’t in a good position to foul.” Allie Clifton the co-host of the podcast, asked him if fouling the Celtics player would have been the right play. Jefferson said, “They didn’t have a chance they didn’t have a chance didn’t have an opportunity.”
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And yall still wanna know why I would foul up 3 EVERY SINGLE TIME?? 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 22, 2024
LeBron James and Jefferson were teammates when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the championship in 2016. Richardson explained that protecting the 3-pointer was more important, but they were in no man’s land as they couldn’t protect the 3-pointer or foul the opponent. But what did LeBron say about teams being afraid to foul on his podcast?
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LeBron James breaks down the fouling play on his podcast
On hearing the passionate explanation from Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, the guest on the podcast couldn’t stop praising. “Richard Richard I’m so proud of you man the growth the growth that I’ve seen the jump the leap that you’ve taken say last year in your IQ.” The Lakers player doubled down on his belief by posting another response on X.
James had no words. Just a few ‘shrugging’ emojis and a clip from his Mind the Game podcast with JJ Redick. In the video, the two are deep in discussion about fouling up three. The Lakers superstar, for his part, is all in for fouling. Yet, he points out that “a lot of coaches are afraid to tell their team to foul when up three.” The 7th episode of the podcast was uploaded on 8th May and currently has more than 750k+ views.
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The King gives two reasons. “One, they haven’t worked on it. Or two, with our rules and everything, it gets tricky sometimes, and you sent a guy to the free throw line.” Now, the second reason is something no team wants to do.
Two opposing theories have been presented; now it’s up to Rick Carlisle which advice he follows. But one thing is for sure: LeBron James did the right thing starting his own podcast and breaking down the game.