JJ Redick was asked when LeBron James would rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers after his recent trouble with a foot injury. Redick simply informed all the reporters at the pre-game press conference, with one word, that he didn’t have any answer to that and didn’t know when James would return to the team.
James missed the Lakers’ 107-98 slump-busting win against the Portland Trail Blazers last weekend. Initially, even though he was listed on the injury list with foot soreness, the assumption was that he would take the game off to maximize the amount of rest he could get, as the Lakers’ next game after the Trail Blazers would be against the Timberwolves five days later.
However, later in the week, when James missed practice, JJ Redick informed reporters that LeBron was out for personal reasons with an excused absence. There is no word on what this personal reason is, but the Lakers and LeBron’s camp are keeping it under wraps for the time being.
James had been playing quite well this season, averaging 23.0 points, 9.1 assists, 8.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field, 35.8% from the three-point line, and 76.2% from the free-throw line this season.
But these numbers don’t tell the full story, as James has finally begun showing his age on the court, moving slower, being lethargic on defense, and just not having the same energy on the court that he had for so many years of his career.
It has been a startling and sobering experience, not just for Lakers fans, but fans of the NBA to see LeBron James finally show signs of winding down as a player. While he definitely hadn’t been at the same level as he was in his prime the last few years, he was still playing at an incredible level.
Is The End Near For LeBron James?
LeBron James has played in the NBA for 22 seasons now. He has accomplished almost everything there is to accomplish in the NBA. With almost all of his goals ticked off the list, with the last one being sharing the court with his son, Bronny, is there anything else left for LeBron James to play for?
The past week has seen several trade rumors emerge concerning LeBron James. Many around the league believe it is in his best interest to demand a trade to a better team and compete for an NBA championship one final time in his career. The Warriors have reportedly considered trading for James.
However, LeBron doesn’t want to throw in the towel with the Lakers. Instead, he wants to stay and get the franchise to make trades to improve the roster. Of course, at this stage of his career, James has earned the right to do what he wants. But one has to question whether this is the wisest decision.
One NBA analyst claimed that the Lakers can only become contenders again if they trade LeBron James, noting that the two sides are not fit to work with each other to aim for a championship. Perhaps they are right, and James should look to greener pastures as he calls time on his legendary career.
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