The time Lakers star LeBron James blew Andre Drummond’s mind with ‘craziest s**t ever’

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has built a reputation throughout his career as one of the NBA’s most intelligent players. According to Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond, that basketball IQ was on full display during their brief time together in Los Angeles.

Speaking during a recent livestream with N3on, Drummond recalled a moment from his stint with the Lakers that left a lasting impression. The veteran center said James’ knowledge of scouting reports and player tendencies went far beyond anything he had previously experienced.

“LeBron is probably one of the smartest guys I’ve been in the locker room with,” Drummond said. “Very detail-oriented, he knows the other team’s scouting report top to bottom. Knows every guy’s percentage.”

Drummond joined the Lakers late in the 2020-21 season after reaching a buyout agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although his time in Los Angeles lasted only a few months, it gave him an opportunity to play alongside James and witness firsthand how the four-time MVP prepares for games.

One particular defensive possession stood out to Drummond years later.

“I remember one game, I overhelped with somebody in the corner, and he was like don’t f*cking go out there, that man’s shooting 32% from 3, go up to the top,” Drummond said.

Andre Drummond on how smart LeBron James is

“LeBron is probably one of the smartest guys I've been in the locker room with… I remember one game, I overhelped with somebody in the corner, and he was like don't f*cking go out there, that man's shooting 32% from 3, go up to… pic.twitter.com/FTsucl6i3i

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 2, 2026

The comment immediately caught his attention.

“I said how the f**k do you know what people shoot percentage-wise?” Drummond continued. “It was the craziest sht I’ve ever heard.”

Andre Drummond details how LeBron James’ analytics knowledge changed his perspective

According to Drummond, James’ prediction proved accurate when the opposing player missed the shot.

“And granted, he missed the shot too. He was like, ‘don’t go there, leave him.’”

The experience changed how Drummond approached film study and analytics.

“I’m like alright, I gotta start watching film a little bit differently. Start looking at the analytics because he knows the analytics like top to bottom.”

Drummond also praised James’ personality away from the court, describing him as approachable despite his superstar status.

“Super fun dude to be around, he’s a big kid, man.”

James recently completed his 23rd NBA season and remains one of the league’s most productive players. Beyond his physical longevity, stories like Drummond’s continue to highlight one of the biggest reasons for his sustained success: an elite understanding of the game.

For many players who have shared a locker room with James, his athletic achievements are impressive. His ability to memorize scouting reports, player tendencies and statistical details may be even more remarkable.

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