LeBron's Absence: More Than Just a Day Off?
For the first time this season, LeBron James sat out a game, missing the Los Angeles Lakers' matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a sore left foot. This development signals a moment of concern for the Lakers, given LeBron's importance to the team. The decision was not taken lightly, as shared by Lakers Coach JJ Redick, who mentioned that LeBron sought breaks during games, saying, "In game, he's asked for a sub a couple times because he's gassed." It underscores the considerable toll that playing extensive minutes is taking on the superstar's body.
Strategic Rest or Growing Concerns?
The Lakers have been cautious with LeBron's usage, especially given his desire to play all 82 games this season. Yet, they have had to readjust their strategy. Coach Redick elaborated, "For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest."
Since joining the Lakers in 2018, LeBron has taken on a leading role both on and off the court. However, this season presents new challenges. At 38 years old, LeBron is still logging an impressive 35 minutes a game, contributing 23 points, eight rebounds, and 9.1 assists on average. Yet, several of his statistical metrics have seen a dip, marking a potential shift in his on-court dominance.
Challenges of a Stellar Career
LeBron has experienced a career-low in free throw attempts per game at 4.6 and faces his worst turnover rate at 17.2%. Similarly, his attempts at the rim are one of the lowest of his career at 28.6%. Recently, he missed 20 consecutive three-point attempts over a five-game stretch in late November, a stark contrast to his usual shooting reliability. An earlier game this month saw him score just 10 points, going 4 of 16 from the field against the Timberwolves.
These numbers tell a story of a remarkable athlete up against time and cumulative career exertion. LeBron himself illustrated the frustration with his playing time and minutes: "I know you got me on f---ing old man time percentages and shit. Play eight minutes and shit. Two shots in eight minutes, just getting cardio. I hate this shit already, this shit's garbage."
The Team's Dynamics in LeBron's Presence and Absence
Interestingly, the Lakers' performance, assessed via net ratings, paints a nuanced picture. When LeBron is on the floor, they suffer a minus-8.4 net rating. Conversely, the team achieves a plus-4.1 rating when he sits. This might suggest the rest of the roster has stepped up in his absence, or it could indicate challenges in team coherence when LeBron dominates proceedings.
Future Considerations
Historically speaking, only four NBA players have ever managed to play over 75 games in a season at age 40 or older, a milestone LeBron hopes to pursue. Despite missing practice for personal reasons in what was an excused absence, the Lakers' four-night break between games offers LeBron vital recovery time, which will be key to managing his health across the grueling NBA schedule.
Coach Redick voiced concerns about LeBron's initial goal to play all season games, reflecting on the broader implications for both player and team, "I don't know that's in the best interest of him and us." The Lakers, like their superstar, are navigating the delicacies of longevity in an intensely demanding sport.
LeBron James continues to defy expectations with his endurance and ability, yet the data suggests a more calculated approach is required as the Lakers aspire to preserve their on-court leader's presence for future battles.