LeBron, Luka speak on differences between American vs European basketball

IQ is a crucial factor in all sports, especially basketball.

As fans, we should be grateful that Lebron James and Luka Dončić have sat down on the Mind the Game podcast to discuss the game of basketball.

Most recently, the two Los Angeles Lakers players gave their take on the difference between American and European basketball.

“The development skills, the fundamentals, are not expressed (in America). It's like just play, play, play,” James said.

“Where we grew up, if I have two on the ball, then I have to figure out a way to get around this guy or split the double team.”

Lebron believes that youth basketball in the United States is much different from that in Europe, and the way the game is taught is much different.

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Lebron describes European basketball as a pass-first type of system, and they are always looking to create a numbers advantage.

This may be why players like Dončić himself are such incredible playmakers.

Dončić has a career 8.3 assists per game average, and more often, it is Europeans who have a passing skill that Americans do not have. 

Dončić adds that “it looks pretty,” referring to James’ comments about Americans who are always looking to score.

He has an elite understanding of how to be successful, even if it doesn’t always appeal to the eye. 

Luckily, these two now play together on the Lakers, and the players and fans can absorb the benefits of the two growing up in completely different systems, yet thriving in both.

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