One of the most commonly used phrases in the NBA has become, ‘the best ability is availability.’ LeBron James has been a great example of this throughout his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
However, LeBron James has missed significant time since he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, and the drop in his availability has been noticed.
LeBron James is currently dealing with an injury issue that will see him miss a few weeks. This has thrown the Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs into doubt once more, even though they have reconstructed their roster.
Since he came into the league in 2003, LeBron James has played more than 70 games in 13 out of 19 seasons. The 2011-12 season was also shortened due to a lockout, so that doesn’t count. And as pointed out by a comment on the Instagram post, James has missed more games during his stint with the Lakers than during his first 15 seasons in the league put together.
Quick math for LeBron’s missed games:
First 15 seasons: 71
Last 5 seasons: 98+
Part of this has to do with age, something people forget about because of how consistently great LeBron James has been. He is 38 and in his 20th season, having made the NBA Finals in half of the seasons, he has played in the league.
That puts strain on the body, even for a superhuman athlete like LeBron, and it’s not surprising to see that he has missed games. And that may be why his team doesn’t want him to rush back onto the court after his current injury, either.
Anthony Davis Says LeBron James Shouldn’t Rush Back From His Latest Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers need LeBron James healthy if they are to make it back to the playoffs and win when they get there. And Anthony Davis, despite having struggled without James, wants him to only return when he is fully fit.
“What I don’t want is him to rush back really early and it’s still bothering him,” Davis said. “And now he can’t be himself… I want him to get completely right and healthy before he steps on the floor.”
The Lakers managed to win against the Oklahoma City Thunder without James in the rotation, which was a good sign. And despite his increased absences, LeBron still isn’t one to miss too much time, so when he gets back, the hope will be that the Lakers can go on a big run.
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