LeBron James, in his never-ending quest for an edge, is taking advantage of a new rule in the NBA that allows teams to upload in-game footage to tablets for players and coaches to use.
Cavs personnel bring James an iPad when he’s taking a breather on the bench.
New story: LeBron uses an iPad on the bench. Here's why @clevelanddotcom https://t.co/X6sazdIUpC
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) December 11, 2016
So far, LeBron is the only Cleveland player taking advantage of the technology:
“Just seeing how defenses are playing me, playing us,” James told cleveland.com. “Kind of watching and paying attention to the minutes I was in, so at the last three minutes of the first quarter when I come out, I can watch and see from when I was in. Then I go back in for the second, and I get it once again at the six minute mark of the second quarter. Just trying to stay above the curve and see how i can help.”
(Assistant coach Mike) Longabardi said the Cavs did use the iPads more in games during the playoffs and the Finals last season, and the experience would be enhanced by now being able to upload plays for review immediately at the bench, instead of having to wait for them from the tunnel.
“I like to watch the game live, too,” James explained. “So I’m always watching and looking up so I know what’s going on. It’s beneficial. […] You should, shoot, its 2017. We should be trying to find ways to continue to build our game. Bring technology into it. If guys want the ability to watch film during the game while they’re out, they should do it.”
