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Charlotte Hornets: LeBron James Praises Kemba Walker’s Improvement

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and guard Kemba Walker (15) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and guard Kemba Walker (15) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before the two squared off on the court, LeBron James took some time to praise the Charlotte Hornets’ point guard for his development and growth.

Kemba Walker has come a long way from the player that he was when he first entered the NBA. Fans, media members and even fellow players have taken notice of his improvements, especially in his outside jump shot. LeBron James is the latest to compliment the Charlotte Hornets‘ star point guard.

When the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers visited the Queen City for their final meeting against the Hornets this season, LeBron was asked about Kemba before the game. He had nothing but praise for the 26-year old as he spoke of him becoming a more dynamic player. Also, James mentioned how quick Walker is on the court and how difficult he is to guard.

It makes sense that LeBron would have positive things to say about Kemba as the Hornets’ guard averaged 27.5 points per game and 4.8 assists per game against the Cavs this season. Even though Charlotte lost all four matchups this year, Walker was stellar as he shot 52.6% from the field and 48.4% from three. Those numbers correlate with the career season that he is having this year.

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The former UCONN Husky is averaging 22.8 points per game, 5.5 assists per game and 4.0 rebounds per game so far this season. Kemba’s setting a career mark in PPG while shooting over 44% from the field and 40% from three for the first time in his career. His jump in stats and efficiency are directly linked to his improved jump shot.

Walker has worked tirelessly over the past few years to add that wrinkle to his game. His efforts are paying off and it’s making him not only one of the better point guard in the NBA but one of the toughest players to guard as well. He’s also had speed and the ability to finish inside but by adding a three-point shot, he’s made himself a threat to score from anywhere on the court.

It’s pretty amazing at how good Kemba has gotten at shooting from deep. He has the sixth most made three’s in the entire league this season, the second-most in the Eastern Conference and the most in the NBA post-All-Star Break.

Here is what LeBron had to say about Kemba:

You must be doing something right as a player when James takes notice and praises the strides you’ve made in your game. Being named an All-Star for the first time in his career this season was one sign that Kemba had finally made it as an elite player.

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While LeBron has owned Walker and the Charlotte Hornets over the past five-plus years, it is clear that Kemba has his respect. King James knows how deadly the point guard can be when he gets rolling and the Bronx native has displayed that against the Cavs this season.

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