The Atlanta Hawks' star who has trained with LeBron James this summer

The Atlanta Hawks are counting down the days to their preseason debut, scheduled for October 6 against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. It will be the first opportunity to see how the new pieces fit into Quin Snyder's scheme and if this project is as competitive on the court as it seems on paper. At the same time, the pressure has increased for the established figures in the team, starting with Trae Young, who, after a frank talk with his coach, knows that improving his efficiency is a priority.

Within that rising young core, Jalen Johnson has taken a step forward to become the team's second voice. His last season was one of consolidation, with a game that even earned him comparisons to LeBron James. This summer, the Hawks' forward had the opportunity to train directly with the Lakers' legend, an experience that could mark a turning point in his development.

Johnson did not go into details about the training routines but highlighted the generosity and attention to detail of James, qualities that have accompanied one of the greatest players in history throughout his career. It's likely that the focus of those sessions was on playmaking. Since entering the NBA, LeBron stood out not only for his imposing physique but also for his court vision and passing ability, an area where Johnson showed progress last season with an average of 5 assists.

For a team looking to have Young play more off the ball and having added shooters like Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Johnson's ability to create from the post or drives can be an essential asset. His progress as a ball handler and pick-and-roll operator will also be crucial, as he now has more tools to read defenses and anticipate rotations.

An increasingly complete player

His growth as a passer does not diminish the importance of his evolution as a scorer. Johnson averaged 18.9 points per game last season and aims to surpass the 20-point mark with a team that, after reinforcing defensively, will be able to exploit transition play more. Diversifying his repertoire will be crucial to reach that next level.

LeBron always had signature moves, from his power attacking the rim to the outside step-back, passing through the low post fadeaway. Johnson timidly attempted those resources last season, with moderate success, but with James' guidance, he could refine them into reliable weapons.

The presence of Kristaps Porzingis, recently added and capable of stretching the floor with his outside shot, will also facilitate his offensive growth by opening up driving lanes and passing opportunities. With all these pieces around, Johnson is poised to be the most dynamic player in Atlanta's offense, capable of scoring in various ways and enhancing his teammates' game.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La estrella de Atlanta Hawks que se ha entrenado con LeBron James este verano