LeBron James is hurting the Los Angeles Lakers right now, and it has nothing to do with his legacy or his box-score production. The problem is effort, specifically on defense and on the glass, and it is becoming impossible to ignore.
On paper, LeBron’s numbers so far this season still look solid. He is averaging 20.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game. But context matters. Those would be the lowest scoring and rebounding averages of his career, and his 31.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc means his offensive efficiency is not covering up weaknesses elsewhere.
When LeBron is not dominating offensively, the expectation is that he impacts the game in other ways. Right now, that is not happening consistently. Sam Vecenie put it bluntly on X: “Respect the hell out of LeBron, unbelievable player obviously. But his effort on defense hasn't been good enough this year.”
That assessment cuts to the core of the issue. This is not about ability or age. It is about engagement. LeBron still has the size, instincts, and strength to be a factor defensively. However, too often, he simply is not.
Houston’s blowout put the Issues on full display
Their most recent loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day made that crystal clear. Houston blew the Lakers out 119–96 at Crypto.com Arena and completely controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 48–25.
The Rockets grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, an absurd 55.6 percent offensive rebounding rate. That level of domination does not happen without widespread breakdowns, and several of those breakdowns involved LeBron.
Watching the game, the pattern was obvious. Missed box-outs. Standing upright as shots went up. Turning to leak out before the rebound was secured. LeBron was frequently near the action but rarely decisive. Defensive rebounding is effort and urgency, and the Lakers had neither when it mattered most.
That problem was magnified by Deandre Ayton finishing with just two rebounds as the starting center. When your big man can’t control the paint, the stars on the perimeter must help. LeBron did not step into that role, and Houston took full advantage with second-chance points and extended possessions.
This is not about expecting LeBron to be the same player he was a decade ago. It is about accountability. Effort does not age, and leadership is not optional.
Until LeBron re-engages in the unglamorous parts of the game, the Lakers will continue to struggle with issues that have nothing to do with talent and everything to do with willingness. If he does not step up quickly, LeBron could actually be on his way out of Los Angeles.