Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke to the media after the franchise’s 80-109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, discussing the load LeBron James has had to carry so far this season. After James made it clear that he wanted to play all 82 games this season earlier, coach Redick publicly disagreed with that notion.
“We are measuring the players and we can tell when a guy is running hot. He does a remarkable job of taking care of his body and recovering, but I don’t know if it’s in the best interests of him or us if he does that. But if he’s feeling well and good, he should play. But obviously, we want to manage that the best we can.”
JJ Redick on what he'd like to see improve offensively for the Lakers: "Overall, more body and ball movement."
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At the start of the season, LeBron made it clear to the media that he will play all 82 games this season if he doesn’t pick up an injury.
“Yeah. I plan on playing every game. We’ll see what happens. You never know. We’ll see what happens if I don’t.”
Redick’s comments were communicated to LeBron in the post-game interview, with James clarifying that it’s a goal of his and something he doesn’t want to discuss further right now.
“No, it’s a goal. We’ll see. It’s not something I’m discussing right now.”
This was the worst loss of the season for the Lakers, who had no offense in this game. They were led by D’Angelo Russell’s 20 points (8-12 FG) and five assists, as LeBron James had 10 points (4-16 FG) and eight rebounds, and Anthony Davis scored just 12 points (4-14 FG) and 11 rebounds. Although Rui Hachimura had an efficient 10 points (4-5 FG) himself, it simply wasn’t enough for the Lakers tonight.
They shot 6-31 from three tonight, a dismal 19.4% that further reinforces the Lakers’ position as one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA.
They’ve been a bottom-five offense in the NBA over the last six games, and have a 114.5 offensive rating on the year, which ranks among the worst NBA right now. While minor absences like Austin Reaves have also tanked the team’s offense.
LeBron’s efficiency as the season has gone on has drastically come down, with the 20-time All-NBA selection averaging 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over the last six games while shooting 39.8% from the field and 10.0% from three. James looks clearly fatigued on the court, having no legs on his jump shot which has led to four straight games without a three-point make for the legend.
Redick is right. There isn’t a feasible way for James to sustain playing at a high level for 82 games this season and ensure the Lakers are a Playoff franchise with championship hopes. LeBron needs to pace himself now and ramp up later in the season to be the most competitive, as his lethargic play in recent games has been detrimental to the franchise.
Nobody is questioning how effective James can be, but his advancing age has greatly damaged his game-to-game consistency, something which has become apparent this season. With the team’s fixtures from now to December 25 coming against teams below .500, this might be a spot for the Lakers to fix their record and for LeBron to get some recovery time.
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