Los Angeles Lakers: Shutting down LeBron James is the right move
By Nick Ziegler
With six games left to play, the Los Angeles Lakers are shutting down LeBron James. Is this the right move?
After being eliminated from the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to finally shut down LeBron James for the rest of the season. This summer, there was a lot of hope and optimism surrounding the Lakers after the signing of LeBron.
Adding one of the best players in the world figured to be enough for the Lakers to get back into the playoffs this season. However, injuries really ruined the Lakers’ season, and they have missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season.
While the Lakers were essentially eliminated from the playoffs a while ago, they have decided to finally shut down LeBron for the remaining six games of the season.
Lakers statement: “After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season. This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 30, 2019
As a veteran star, shutting down James for the rest of the year is certainly the right move for the Lakers. Letting James get some extra rest while healing up for next season is a lot more valuable than him playing in the final six games of the season. One can argue that this move could have been made even sooner, as the Lakers have actually been winning some games with James playing of late.
With six games to go, the Lakers currently have the 10th worst record in the league, which might result in them having a Top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. This could mean that the Lakers can add either another talented young player, or use the pick as trade bait.
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If James were to play in the final games of the season, the Lakers might have continued to win some of these games and hurt their lottery odds. With this season being a lost cause, getting everyone healthy and ready for next season is the right move. While some might not like players sitting out, this is a smart decision by LeBron and the Lakers.