The LSU Tigers face a tough three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend, beginning on Thursday. While the “Bayou Bengals” have looked great so far this season, they aren’t without difficulty. One of head coach Jay Johnson’s main concerns this weekend is controlling Alabama star shortstop Justin Lebron.
LSU HC Jay Johnson Praises Alabama SS Justin Lebron
Justin Lebron debuted in style for Alabama in 2024, but he has exploded this season, improving almost all his numbers from a year ago. It’s no wonder he’s the focus of his rivals, starting with Coach Johnson.
At his pregame press conference on Thursday, Johnson answered questions about the Crimson Tide’s talented shortstop, but not before making the mandatory joke associated with his name.
“You mean Justin Lebron and not LeBron James?” Tiger’s head coach jokingly asked, as reported by USA Today’s Cory Diaz.
“He’s a good player,” Johnson said in a more analytical way. “I actually brought him up on the radio last night. He’s really athletic. I see an improved player from a year ago. You could see the physical talent and skills.”
“He plays with a lot of confidence,” he added. “Seems like the guy they look to offensively and defensively. A good presence in the field at shortstop. Hit him with power. I believe he has 15 home runs.”
Johnson also proved that you always have to be prepared to face this type of top player.
“It just seems like that’s what we’re dealing with every week… there’s one of those on every team, you know, or a couple of two or three on every team to be honest with you.”
Lebron has 15 home runs this season, three more than in 2024, but in 19 fewer games. His 2025 offensive production includes 13 extra-base hits (12 doubles and a triple) and 51 total hits.
His batting average is .333, just below his 2024 batting average (.338). The 20-year-old, 6’2″, 175-pounder has also improved his strikeout and walk records from one year to the next. He has already walked as many this season as he did all of last season (20) with 17 fewer strikeouts (36 to 53).
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Two really impressive stats for Johnson are that he has driven in 58 runs in just 38 games, and that he has yet to hit into a double play this season, despite the high number of teammates he regularly finds on base when at bat.
LSU is in fifth place in the SEC with a record of 10 wins and five losses (31-6 overall). Alabama, meanwhile, is in eighth place at 8-7 in the conference and 27-10 overall.
The first matchup of this three-game series begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday on ESPNU. LHP Kade Anderson will pitch first for the Tigers, while RHP Tyler Fay will throw for the Crimson Tide.
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