Charlotte Hornets: LeBron James commends Kemba Walker’s offensive ability
The Charlotte Hornets’ point guard received some high praise from The King following their matchup on November 24th.
Even though the Charlotte Hornets suffered a heartbreaking loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 100-99, Kemba Walker was a bright spot for the Queen City team as he put up 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds. After the game, LeBron spoke highly of the all-star point guard.
During the Hornets’ broadcast of their game versus the San Antonio Spurs, Stephanie Ready mentioned that James said that “Kemba is so fast. Kemba is fast, quick and shifty with the ability to shoot from the outside, midrange, and get to the hole… it’s very challenging on the guy guarding him and the other four guys on the court.”
This isn’t the first time that LeBron has praised Walker. Last season, The King commended the Hornets’ point guard for his improvement. James said that Kemba’s “gotten better every single year.” He also added that “What’s made him even more dynamic is the last few years he’s added the three ball off the dribble. That’s made him even more dangerous because you can’t pick him up under the three-point line because he’s knocking that down too.”
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LeBron called Kemba “a very dynamic point guard in our league.” Since then, Walker has continued his growth and development. So far during the 2017-18 campaign, the 27-year old is averaging 22.3 points per game, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 44.3% from the field, 36.6% from three and 85.6% from the free throw line for Charlotte.
His 22.3 PPG ranks 17th in the NBA in scoring, fifth among all point guards, ninth in the East and second among all Eastern Conference point guard behind only Kyrie Irving. He is averaging a career-high in assists and well on his way to a second consecutive all-star appearance.
Kemba has never won a game against LeBron during his seven years in the league. He is 0-21 versus James. The King is 25-1 when taking on Charlotte since Michael Jordan bought the team in 2010. The lone loss came in 2016 when Walker was out with an injury.
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Walker is not only the Hornets’ best player but he carries their offense on most nights as well. There aren’t many players who can stop or contain him one-on-one which is why LeBron said that it’s a challenge for every defender while Kemba is on the floor. James has taken notice of the 6’1 point guard and continues to be complimentary towards the Bronx native’s style of play and his game.