3 reasons why LeBron James is the smartest player in the NBA

#2 LeBron James studies his opponents thoroughly

LeBron James in Cleveland Cavaliers colors

LeBron James doesn't leave anything to luck or chance. He is a player who believes in preparation, and he is always prepared to win. However, preparation in the game of basketball involves an in-depth study of opponents' strengths and weaknesses. That is something James does meticulously.

The four-time NBA champion has pretty much won everything possible in the league.

Even though his hunger to win more remains intact, very few, except for Skip Bayless, can question his accomplishments. But LeBron James remains an eager learner despite his achievements. He does his homework on every single player regardless of whether they are star players or rookies.

Shedding more light on this aspect of James, Iman Shumpert, a former New York Knicks player. said about his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate's intelligence.

"There were times where you've got somebody who has been red-hot, and they're running it off, and we're like, 'Um, the scouting report said...', and he'd be like, 'Yeah, but I let him shoot that because in the left corner he only shoots 26 percent. He shoots 46 percent from three, but he only shoots 26 percent from the left corner.

Iman continued: "And you'd be like, 'Yes sir.'... He made me feel like I didn't do my homework."

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#1 LeBron James is constantly adapting his style of play

One thing that often goes underappreciated about LeBron James is his ability to adapt. Adapting is not an innate skill. It requires a deep understanding of your flaws and then implementing the right approach to eliminate them.

Over the last few seasons, it has been apparent that the aging King is not as strong or fast as he was during his time with the Miami Heat or the Cavs. It isn't that he isn't fast or strong anymore; James definitely possesses these attributes. But during his peak, he was even more capable physically than he'd now.

Even as these physical traits have become less dominant, LeBron James has adapted new ways to stay ahead of the competition. He is arguably one of the best playmakers in the league. Especially during his time with the LA Lakers, James has become an even better feeder, and has increased his output from downtown.