The following article first appeared on BasketballNetwork.net:

It’s amazing how LeBron James is still doing LeBron James things at 36 years old. The man is such a freak athlete way ahead of his time, but LeBron’s athleticism isn’t the only secret to his longevity. The latest incarnation – LeBron as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.

LeBron James’ new weapon

James’s weaknesses have always been outside shooting and free throws. He could cover those shortcomings up because he did other things at an elite level. It never became a real problem for LeBron because he still found ways to score or impact other areas of the game. But now that he’s entering the final stage of his career, James has unleashed the latest version of himself: a catch-and-shoot LeBron.

LeBron James is taking Catch & Shoot 3's at the highest frequency he has in the past 9 years (18.4% of Total Shots) per this season and is making them at a near 40% rate.

Russell Westbrook has directly contributed to 39% of those makes. pic.twitter.com/qkym0e5Mq0

— Vinay Killawala (@vkillem) December 13, 2021

The latest feat makes James a true one-of-a-kind player. Usually, when ballers get old, they tend to develop and rely on outside shooting more. However, James has found another gear in his game to help the Lakers overcome early-season struggles. 

The Lakers lack outside shooting, especially when two ball-dominant rim attackers like Russell Westbrook and King James share the floor. However, the team has found ways to compete, and the stats show Brodie’s positive influence on James.

Westbrook and James playing beautiful music together

As mentioned, Westbrook is responsible for 39% of James’ catch-and-shoot three-point field goals. That’s the benefit of having a triple-double threat like Brodie on the court. He can attack the basket and attract the defense. Though this is the first time both James and Russell have played with each other in the NBA, it feels as if they have been longtime teammates with the way they are working off one another.

If James maintains this average on catch-and-shoot opportunities, he could prolong his career and possibly get a chance to play with or against his son Bronny. It’s a testament to how LeBron still finds ways to compete and help his team to win.

Will he become an elite shooter like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry? Probably not. But this is once again a reminder for everyone to appreciate LeBron James while he’s still on the floor. 

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