LeBron James offers concerning admission after dominant 37-point showing in win over Houston Rockets.
Heading into the start of the season, one of the bigger questions surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers was whether Father Time was finally going to reveal itself in LeBron James’ career. So far, LeBron had been getting the best of Father Time. However, in his 21st season in the NBA, it’s only natural to wonder if the end is near for LeBron. At the very least, we’d see the start of a decline.
It’s almost as if the opposite has happened. LeBron is posting near career-highs in terms of shooting efficiency while taking roughly five fewer shots compared to last season. And that was very much evident in the Lakers’ most recent win over the Houston Rockets in which LeBron finished with 37 points, eight assists, and six rebounds on 14-19 shooting from the field.
Despite his dominant performance in the Lakers’ win, LeBron admitted after the game that he’s fighting through some injuries. It kind of put a bit of a cold blanket on an otherwise encouraging Lakers win.
LeBron: "I'm in a really good groove right now. I don't feel that great right now, dealing with a couple of injuries, little bit under the weather right now...the competition got me going a little bit."
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 20, 2023
Should the Los Angeles Lakers be concerned about his health
While it would be a bit overreactive to be all that concerned about LeBron’s health at this point, especially considering how productive he’s been. As a soon-to-be 39-year-old, LeBron is posting unreal numbers. He’s averaging 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game on 59 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
If this is LeBron playing through injuries, that’s still pretty great. And I’m sure the Lakers will take this level of LeBron over the course of the season and into the playoffs.
On the flip side, if there is a concern for the Lakers, it’s whether LeBron will continue to survive all season long playing through injuries. At a certain point, if LeBron continues to play through the injuries there’s a chance it could snowball into something bigger.
That’s the risk that both the Lakers and LeBron are taking at this point. Again, hopefully, LeBron is able to play through these “injuries” but that’s something that has to be kept an eye on.
LeBron has historically been excellent at managing his body. He’s been one of the best in the game. But it is certainly something to monitor. For now, the LeBron seems fine. And the Lakers, winners of five of their last six, might be hitting their stride.