Scoring
Another area in which James could clearly help Johnson is scoring.
Next season, Johnson should be able to get out in transition more with the Hawks improving their defense. That alone could help him cross over into the realm of 20-point scorers after averaging a career-high 18.9 points per game in 2024-25. However, if he wants his game to be more like James’s (who has never averaged under 20 points per game), he needs to diversify his shot diet. That doesn’t mean he needs to play outside of himself and try to score in every conceivable way. Instead, a go-to move or two will serve him well.
Finding His Bread-And-Butter
James’s bread-and-butter is bullying his way to the rim, at times using a spin to create separation after feeling defenders up on his body. Many will also point to his look-down, size-up 3-pointers. It’s completely possible that the four-time NBA MVP decided to show Johnson the nuances of both.
LEBRON’S 3RD STRAIGHT 3… THIS ONE FROM THE LOGO 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/Rh1HrdCOH0
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2025
Yet, it’s more likely that James and Johnson worked on the tried-and-true post fadeaway/turnaround jumper. Last season, Johnson attempted 31 combined 2-point fadeaways and turnaround jumpers, making 10 total (32.3% of said attempts). For comparison, James attempted 195 combined 2-point fadeaways and turnaround jumpers in the 2024-25 regular season, making 88 total (45.1% of said attempts).
