LeBron sets sudden ambitious goal that will test JJ Redick in unimaginable ways

The Los Angeles Lakers went to 2-0 with their 123-116 win over the Suns on Friday night. Anthony Davis is leading the league in scoring, and head coach JJ Redick has the franchise playing exciting basketball. The Lakers feel like contenders, despite their quiet offseason, and it has all been without a monster game from LeBron James.

The 39-year-old made history by appearing with his son on opening night, but he finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists. That is an off-night for LeBron, and he was not the focal point of the action. Fans thought he might be taking a backseat in his 22nd NBA season.

The Lakers have their first back-to-back of the season as they host the Kings on Saturday night. Fans wondered if King James would be on the floor, but they got an emphatic answer after LA’s win over the Suns.

LeBron James wants to play all 82 games this regular season

It was surprising to hear his desire to appear in every contest. He has done that only once in his NBA career. He has played 80 or more three times, but not since 2018 when he did not miss a game for the Cavaliers.

LeBron turns 40 in December. John Stockton played in every game in 2003 at 40 years old, but this is a massive stretch for LeBron. Stockton and Michael Jordan are the only players to do it at 39 or older.

Fans know James has a ton of say, so this decree puts massive pressure on the Lakers’ first-year head coach. Redick would love to build in a few rest games to ensure LeBron is healthy for the playoffs. The Western Conference is loaded this season, but the Lakers are not winning in the postseason with an injured King James. There will be zero rest and several tough decisions if LeBron is committed to playing all 82 this season.

Expect James to face the Kings on Saturday night, but he won’t appear in every contest. His 71 games in 2024 were his most since arriving in Los Angeles. That is a strong and ambitious total. The Lakers need him to play 70-plus to make the playoffs. LeBron is committed to every night, but that is not a realistic expectation for a 40-year-old with the miles James has on his tires.

Los Angeles Lakers fans should be happy. LeBron James wants to play as many games as possible. That is a positive for the franchise as they hope to make a deep playoff run. Every win will count, and the Lakers certainly need the GOAT to be contenders in the West. Stay tuned to see if LeBron can meet his goal.