A big supporter of the resumption of the season, LeBron James could however have a hard time with the context of the bubble. In any case, this is the opinion of a doctor specializing in sports psychology.
As soon as they arrive in the famous Orlando “bubble”, NBA players will be treated like royalty in their hotels: private DJs, exclusive copies of new video games, activities of all kinds and staff at their disposal… The league wants that his hens with golden eggs are doing well in this unprecedented period.
But then will come where everything plays out, the field. And from this point of view, Dr. Stephen Gonzalez, sports psychologist, believes that LeBron James will be disadvantaged compared to Kawhi Leonard.
According to the scientist, the lack of public during the matches will negatively impact the King, who is very receptive to what “give” him the fans since his arrival in the NBA, in good as in bad, and who uses it. The Klaw is much more stoic and less concerned. Here’s what Gonzalez says:
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LeBron loves the relationship he has with the fans. That there isn’t the other side of the relationship present, it’s going to be difficult for him. If I was working with NBA players, one of the priorities would be to ask what is the effect of the public on them, positively or negatively. And suddenly, without an audience, how are we going to reach these same emotions, this same level of adrenaline.
It is a real factor. They will have to find a way to adapt to it.
Difficult to contradict Gonzalez on the fact that the King is one of those players who like to feed on the public around them. We can no longer count the matches that James flew over in an ultra-hostile environment, or, conversely, in a bubbling and positive environment.
As such, and in the event of a confrontation between Lakers and Clippers where the smallest detail would matter, the Chosen One must prepare for the eventuality and already adapt to it, where a Leonard will probably be loyal to him – even, with or without fans in the room.
This is an additional challenge for LeBron James who, as clever as he is, must have already thought about it and may even have started to prepare for it. This end of season will be definitely unique…
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