“It goes from zero to 100” — LeBron calls for physicality ramp-up ahead of postseason
As the physical intensity of the NBA playoffs continues to draw both praise and frustration, LeBron James is proposing a solution: let players prepare for it.
On a recent episode of his Mind The Game podcast with JJ Redick, LeBron explained that the jump in physicality from the regular season to the postseason is too drastic. And that the league should help players adjust by shifting the officiating standard in the final month of the regular season.
“If they’re going to allow it to be as physical as it is, you have to give us a little bit of time to prepare for it,” LeBron said.
A Call for a Playoff-Style Ramp-Up
According to James, the contrast between regular-season and postseason basketball is stark, especially in terms of officiating.
“It goes from no body check, no hand checking, no pushing a guy off his spot… for six-and-a-half, seven months. Then, two months straight, have at it. Like straight-up no holds barred,” he said.
LeBron isn’t asking for playoff-style defense in October. Instead, he suggests the league begin easing into the tougher standard in the final 12–15 games after the All-Star break, when teams are already fighting for seeding and ramping up intensity.
“Post-All-Star break is usually 30 games left. So maybe like 12–15 games left in the regular season. Give us a month to prepare for it,” he added.
“Fun, but a shock to the system”
James emphasized that he enjoys the physicality of playoff basketball, but wants players to be able to adapt gradually.
“I love it. I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just the contrast of not being able to get into that flow,” he said.
He was speaking from experience, referencing the Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where younger players like Austin Reaves struggled to get separation or calls they’d normally get in the regular season.
No Need to Change the Entire Season
LeBron also made it clear he’s not advocating for full-season physicality. He acknowledged that officiating in the early months, from October through mid-February, should remain as is.
“I would not want to see the two-month way we officiate the game [during the playoffs] from October to mid-April. I don’t think that would be beneficial,” James said.
A Consistency Problem, Not a Physicality Problem
The underlying issue? Inconsistency.
Players want to know what to expect. And if the postseason is going to be more physical, LeBron believes players should be given the chance to adjust before Game 1 of the playoffs.
His idea would benefit not just players, but also referees and fans, by creating a more natural flow heading into the postseason and raising the level of play earlier.
Whether the NBA adopts such a policy remains to be seen, but LeBron’s suggestion is sure to spark conversation heading into the offseason.
