Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, the Los Angeles Lakers are motivated to get back to the top and overcome the odds. Objectively speaking, the Lakers, led by 38-year-old star LeBron James, are still focused on winning the championship.
This is something no one has ever seen, because at James’ age, playing at a high level and wanting to compete for a championship is amazing. However, heading into the 2023-24 season, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Davin Hamm knew they needed a roster that could ease James’ workload and manage him accordingly.
Although Los Angeles has been viewed as having depth all offseason, that hasn’t stopped the four-time champion from scoring outbursts, most recently scoring 37 points in Sunday’s 105-104 victory over the Houston Rockets. James explained via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin what helped him find his rhythm to start the season:
“I’ve been able to play a lot more on my off days this year because of my foot injuries the last few years or whatever,” James told ESPN. “So, being able to focus on everything I need to do and not having to stop unless we Being racing allowed me to stay in rhythm.
“I had bounce back, bounce back, quick twitch recovery and things of that nature.”
During his time in Los Angeles, James has been plagued by nagging injuries that have prevented him from playing at full health. In the NBA, every player usually suffers from some kind of injury throughout the season, and for James, that injury right now is a calf contusion. But more importantly, LeBron’s feet appear to be fully healed as he attacks the rim and shoots with confidence.
However, James’ injury will be something to watch as the season progresses, as James has been on the injury report in recent games. It doesn’t appear to be bothering him right now, but fixing the issue would be ideal so LeBron can stay on the court and play at a high level.
Regardless, over the past 10 games, he’s averaging 28.3 points, 8 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 61% from the field and 44% from three-point range. It’s amazing to see performances like this from a 38-year-old player, and hopefully he can continue to build on those performances and win more games with the Lakers.
Anthony Davis praises James’ ‘extraordinary’ performance
The Lakers have won five of their past six games, with James scoring 30 points in two straight games. His partner Anthony Davis praised James’ recent “extraordinary” performance and praised him for continuing to lead the team.
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