LeBron James has never shied away from criticism, especially when it comes to his late-game decisions. But in a new conversation on the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, the four-time NBA champion opened up about the philosophy that’s guided him from his high school days all the way to the Finals.
“I could’ve averaged 50 if I wanted to in my junior or senior year,” James said. “But it was never about that. It was always about how can I get the most out of my teammates so we can all win.”
A Champion’s Mentality From Day One
James reflected on his roots at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, where he led his team to three state championships.
“When I got into the NBA, I realized a lot of guys never won a state title,” he said. “I thought that was standard. That’s when I realized I was taught the game the right way.”
That early foundation shaped LeBron’s approach to the game. He wasn’t chasing scoring records — he was building habits that prioritized team success, a mindset that would eventually carry him to four NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and over 10,000 career assists.
“I never averaged more than 30 in high school. I think my highest was around 27–28. But it wasn’t about points, it was about how we could all be successful together.”
The Criticism That Won’t Go Away
Despite his legendary status and a resume that ranks among the best in NBA history, James has consistently faced scrutiny for one specific thing: passing in the clutch.
The most talked-about example came in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. With the Lakers down late against the Miami Heat, LeBron drove into the lane, drew three defenders, and kicked the ball out to a wide-open Danny Green. The shot missed. The Heat won. And critics pounced.
“People were like, ‘Why didn’t you take the shot?’” James said. “But I made the right play. I’ll take that assist every time.”
That moment wasn’t an outlier, it was who LeBron has always been. Even during the 2012 All-Star Game, James faced backlash after making two late-game passes that led to turnovers. But to him, trusting teammates and making the smart read has always mattered more than chasing a personal highlight.
“If I’m going to win at the pro level, even though it’s a different game, I can’t give up the essence of what made me fall in love with basketball,” he said. “Even if the criticism still goes on.”
A Playmaker at His Core
While the internet has often debated whether James should shoot more in big moments, the stats back up his case. He’s not just a dominant scorer, he’s one of the game’s all-time leading assist men, with a basketball IQ that has earned praise from legends across generations.
“He’s the smartest player to ever play the game,” Steve Nash said during the same podcast episode. “Nobody sees the floor like LeBron.”
LeBron’s ability to create opportunities — not just for himself, but for everyone on the floor, has defined his legacy. Whether it’s delivering a laser cross-court pass or setting up a role player for a wide-open three, he sees value in making the right basketball play, even when the spotlight is his to take.
And it all traces back to how he was coached.
“We came to win state championships. We came to win AAU national championships,” James said. “And I felt like I couldn’t lose that foundation, even when I made it to the NBA.”
Not Just a Scorer — A Leader
For James, his approach is about more than X’s and O’s — it’s about leadership. It’s about raising the level of everyone around him and trusting that the right play, even if it’s not flashy, is what wins games over time.
And while fans and analysts may forever debate whether he should’ve taken that final shot, LeBron’s answer is already clear:
“I’m always going to make the right basketball play. Always. That’s who I am.”
