NBA
JJ Redick Questions Whether LeBron James Playing All 82 Games is in the “Best Interest of Him or Us”
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All posts by Charlie RhodesUpdated03 Dec 2024
Following the Lakers’ blowout defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, coach JJ Redick has called into question LeBron James’ game time this season.
JJ Redick Throws LeBron James’ Game Time Into Doubt
A fifth defeat in seven games for the LA Lakers has seen them drop down to eighth in the Western Conference, after the Minnesota Timberwolves limited them to just 80 points.
The Lakers – who rank all the way down at 24th for NBA defensive ratings this season – have been heavily reliant on their offensive cast digging them out.
Monday night saw them come unstuck against one of the finest defenses in the division, highlighting the fact they remain some way off playoff compatibly at this moment in time.
It was the first time the Lakers have failed to post 100 points since March, with scorer-in-chief LeBron James putting up just 10 points, which follows his 0-9 performance against the Jazz last week.
It now means he has thrown 0-19 from three-point range, which according to ESPN is his longest streak since blanking on 24 consecutive threes from December 26, 2003 to January 13, 2024.
LeBron James has *MISSED* his 24th STRAIGHT three 😳
The King has lost his range…
— CourtSideHeat (@courtsideheat) December 3, 2024
The NBA’s all-time leading points scorer was not helped by a flat supporting cast, with D’Angelo Russell the only player to reach the 20 mark.
However, the Lakers’ recent misfortunes have made the spotlight shine a little brighter on LeBron James, who turns 40 at the end of December.
Speaking shortly after the loss to Minnesota, coach JJ Redick admitted he may have to reconsider LeBron’s game management.
“I think we’re measuring the players and we can tell if a guy is running hot or whatever,” he said.
“[LeBron James] does a remarkable job of taking care of his body and getting recovery. I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of him and us if he [plays all 82 games]. But if he’s feeling well and feeling good, we should play. But we obviously want to manage that as best we can.”
Despite holding on to a winning 12-for-9 record this season, the Lakers find themselves at somewhat of a crossroads as trade rumours around swapping the old guard for a future-proof overhaul ramp up.
