Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham and forward LeBron James (23) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

'Bron Would Have Expanded His Game' – Los Angeles Lakers Star Could Be the GOAT If He Learned the Triangle Offense Says Tracy McGrady'

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James have thrived in various coaching schemes throughout his career. If there’s one thing that needs changing in James’ journey in the NBA is that he should have been coached by someone who’s knows how to win. Former NBA stars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were both coached by Phil Jackson, while Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker had Gregg Popovich.

Bryant and Jordan benefitted from having Jackson as their head coach. They learned how to flourish with the help of the Triangle Offense. The former Chicago Bulls star won six championships through it, while the latter had five. Unfortunately for James, that wasn’t part of his growth as an NBA player.

Most of the time, the 21-time All-Star would play in a pace-and-space setting, maximizing the team’s speed and ability to spread the floor with their 3-pointers.

Former NBA stars Tracy McGrady brought it up during his guest appearance at “Gil‘s Arena.” According to the seven-time All-Star, LeBron James would’ve been the greatest player ever if he had learned the Triangle Offense early in his career.

“If Bron got introduced to the triangle at an early age, Bron would have expanded his game tremendously… He’s not as fast or uber athletic like he once was. But if we take Bron who he is now, with the athleticism, speed, and everything, agility, and put him in that triangle, learning that, I don’t think there’s any question who the greatest player would be.”

Even without the help of the famous Triangle Offense, James thrived in the league and has a case to be the GOAT.

Brian Windhorst calls the Los Angeles Lakers’ new player an “underrated defender”

The Los Angeles Lakers made sure they pursued productive players this offseason to help Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The team‘s biggest acquisitions were Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. With Ayton, the Lakers believe they have perfect center to pair with Doncic. Smart, meanwhile, adds an elite level of defense on the perimeter.

One overlooked signing for the Lakers is Jake LaRavia. Most people know him as someone who is a reliable shooter deep. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that LaRavia is an underrated defender.

“Now I know Marcus Smart’s gonna be the headliner there because he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year, but I think the Lakers feel like Jake LaRavia is an underrated defensive player,” Windhorst said.

While LaRavia isn’t someone who can lock an opposing player the way Smart does, he’s still a versatile defender who can stay in front of his matchup. Fans are looking forward to seeing how he will fit in the Los Angeles Lakers’ system next season.