Los Angeles Lakers: 2019-20 NBA season preview

Storyline No. 2: LeBron James revenge tour

While the debate rages on about who the best player in the history of the NBA is, there is no denying that James has been the best one for the last decade, if not longer. His streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances and eight straight NBA Finals ended last season, his first with the Lakers.

So, you know that he will be motivated this season. He will also be rested, as he hasn’t had this much rest heading into a regular season since the lockout-shortened season in 2011-12. That will be a huge factor, as James dealt with a serious injury for the first time in his career in his first season in the purple and gold.

James suffered a groin injury on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. At the time, the Lakers were fourth in the Western Conference. By the time he returned, after 17 games, the Lakers were already in a free fall and dropping in the standings.

With how poorly things went last season, you know James will want to show that he is not yet close to being done. He played very well during the preseason, but another thing to keep an eye on is his workload.

The Lakers should be able to find some rest for James this season. Load management has become popular after Kawhi Leonard used it last season and helped the Toronto Raptors win a championship. Expect James to receive some of that treatment this season as well.