LeBron James Praises Kings Offense in Latest Podcast

LeBron James and JJ Redick speak on Sacramento's offense in their Mind the Game podcast.

Mar 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) guarded by Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13). / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings are one year removed from having the league's highest offensive rating ever, but there has been a slippier slope this season. Led by the star duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have cemented themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. But, their improved defense combined with a weakened offense makes this year's team much different.

After last season, many teams, players, and media personnel across the league recognized the Kings as a respectable team for the first time in nearly two decades. This includes one of the greatest players of all time, Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, who commented on Mike Brown and Sacramento's offense in the latest episode of his podcast with JJ Redick, Mind the Game (via @mindthegamepod | X):

"Mike Brown in Sacramento is kind of running some split action." James continues, "He has those shooters. He has, obviously, Kevin Huerter, and he has the kid, Keegan Murray, who can shoot the piss out of the ball. Also, the speed of De'Aaron Fox. They play in a lot of pinch posts with Domantas, who is now a triple-double threat every game... You have to have a passer like [Sabonis to run split action]."

James and Redick speak on the importance of Sabonis in Sacramento's offensive sets and infer how having a talented big man raises the ceiling of a team's offense. They talk about the importance of having the correct personnel for offensive sets like split action, and the Kings have done the job of crafting a balanced lineup with the necessary pieces.

James has gotten a good taste of Sacramento's offense, as the Kings swept the season series against the Lakers 4-0, scoring an average of 126.8 points in those matchups.

Brown has cemented himself as one of the league's best coaches as the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, but his offensive mind sets him apart from most. This season, the Kings have a clear focus on defensive improvements, rising from last season's 24th-best defensive rating to this season's 17th.

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