The Lakers and LeBron James are challenging Father Time

Examining the Fact or Fiction of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Plan for LeBron James

During the 2023-24 NBA season, we will be analyzing the league’s biggest storylines to determine whether they are based in fact or fiction. This week, we focus on the Los Angeles Lakers’ plan for LeBron James and whether it is truly being implemented.

According to Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, head coach Darvin Ham, and LeBron James himself, there was a consensus about implementing a minutes restriction for the 38-year-old superstar in his 21st season. Pelinka stated that every move made since the February trade deadline was done with this plan in mind. The goal was to manage his minutes and ensure he can make it through the entire season.

However, it seems that the Lakers may have abandoned this plan after just one game. On opening night, James played 29 minutes in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. The impact of his presence on the court was evident, with the Lakers outscoring the Nuggets by seven points when he was playing, and being outscored by 19 points when he was on the bench. It is truly remarkable that James can have such a significant impact on outcomes at this stage of his career.

Following the loss to Denver, Ham acknowledged that the Lakers would likely limit James to around 30 minutes per game, as opposed to the team-leading 35.5 he averaged last season. James confirmed his willingness to follow this plan. However, in the four games since that statement, James has averaged 37.3 minutes per game, including playing 42 minutes in an overtime victory against the LA Clippers.

This deviation from the initial plan raises concerns about the Lakers’ dependence on James. The team has a +8.7 net rating when he’s on the court, but a -23.2 net rating when he’s not—an astonishing difference of 31.9 points per 100 possessions. This dependence is even more glaring in fourth quarters, where James has played 52 out of 60 minutes.

Considering James’ injury history and the fact that he has missed significant playing time in recent seasons, there is a real worry about the Lakers’ reliance on him. James has battled injuries in both his feet and chose not to undergo surgery for a torn tendon in his right foot. He has also made adjustments to his playing style, with a slower average speed on defense and a decreased focus on offensive rebounds. The Lakers have followed suit as the slowest team in the league, and they struggle in areas such as contesting 3-pointers and second-chance points.

While Anthony Davis has been performing well, the lack of depth and unreliable contributions from other players make the Lakers’ situation even more precarious. Players like Austin Reaves have struggled, and the team’s defense heavily relies on Davis. The Lakers must find a more dependable rotation and balance between offense and defense to alleviate the burden on James.

In conclusion, it is fiction to believe that the Lakers have effectively implemented their plan to restrict LeBron James’ minutes. The team is excessively dependent on the 39-year-old superstar, and prioritizing short-term wins over his long-term health is a risky strategy.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.