The Los Angeles Lakers have won six of their last seven games and may be looking to find themselves again after a poor start to the season. After defeating the Utah Jazz 131-99 on Tuesday, they have a good record of 9 wins and 6 losses, and the biggest reason for this is the performance of LeBron James.
James laughed in front of Father Time. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, shooting 58.7% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range. On Tuesday, he had what students call a “minimum day” in the NBA — playing just 24 minutes against the Utah Jazz before resting in the fourth quarter.
But overall, James’ minutes are high because head coach Davin Hamm has been relying on him to stabilize the team. He averaged 33.6 minutes per game, which might not sound that bad, but he played more than 35 minutes in eight of 14 games.
Initially, the Lakers planned to significantly reduce the 38-year-old’s playing time at the start of the season. That plan was put on hold once they got off to a slow start to the season, but it hasn’t been forgotten as they reportedly still want to play less minutes (h/t Lakers Daily ).
Via ESPN:
“With the Lakers’ depth tested by early-season injuries, the playing time cap has proven to be a ceiling,” Dave McMenamin wrote. “The only time Ham hit the mark was in two blowouts, when James didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter because the outcome was already decided. Otherwise, the Lakers repeatedly found themselves in stalemates late in games, and James’ playing time has exceeded the limit.
Sources told ESPN, “Nevertheless, all parties want to limit James’ playing time until the team is fully healthy. James has already missed one game with a left calf injury, and the long-term goal is to have him with the wheels intact.” conditions to reach the finish line.”
The biggest obstacle to plans to limit James’ playing time may be the left heel bursitis that Jared Vanderbilt has been dealing with since the preseason. He hasn’t played since the first exhibition game in Los Angeles, but is reportedly ramping up his activities and hopes to return soon.
The NBA’s all-time scoring leader may be able to get extended playing time in the still young 2023-24 season. But soon, the Lakers will need to reduce playing time to stay active and productive while minimizing the risk of injury.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire
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