The Los Angeles Lakers sat LeBron James in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, which eliminated him from award contention. He had made All-NBA for 21 straight years, but the 65-game rule makes him ineligible for consideration this season. James being out of the running is a blessing in disguise for the Lakers. They can now focus on resting their star and having him ready for the playoffs.
The 41-year-old played in 17 straight games, and fans could clearly see the toll it was taking on his body. James was still putting up numbers, but the jumpers stopped falling. He is six for 29 from 3-point range in his last seven games. His legs just weren’t there, and the Lakers can’t expect him to be elite every night at his age.
The historic streak is over. Nobody wanted to see it end, but the Lakers should be thankful. This should let them focus on the bigger picture. Los Angeles aims to make a playoff run and should now have LeBron in a position to play his best in the most crucial games.
Lakers get blessing in disguise with LeBron James out of the award chase
Los Angeles sits fifth in the Western Conference, but just 1.5 games back of third. They’d love to avoid Oklahoma City and get into the top three. The Lakers could do just that over the final 28 games after the All-Star break, but their best bet is making sure Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are playing their best basketball in the postseason.
This is likely LeBron’s last season with the Lakers. They want to send him out with a bang, and that won’t be possible if he is trying to play every regular-season game down the stretch. The Lakers should start creating a plan now and do everything they can to get King James to the finish line as close to 100 percent as possible.
Fans have seen what LeBron can still do when he has his fastball. He looked like vintage James in a December win over the 76ers. The GOAT destroyed the Hawks and Pelicans in January. That is the LeBron the Lakers need in the playoffs. With no pressure to play, the purple and gold should be able to get him there.
The rule prevents James from being considered, so there is no reason to push. LeBron wants to play in every city and put on a show for the fans. He knows his legendary career is winding down, and the Lakers are not a serious title threat.
Still, the two sides should work together to maximize their championship odds. They need King James to play like a superstar to have any shot. LeBron is still capable, but he needs more rest than ever to get there at 41 years old.
The Los Angeles Lakers should sit LeBron James in back-to-backs and during four-game-in-five-night stretches. He needs the rest to play at an elite level. Nothing is preventing the franchise from making those moves now. Expect to see LeBron miss some time after the break as the Lakers prioritize the playoffs.
It is the right call and only made possible by James ending his award bid. Sitting out can be the best thing, and there is no reason to avoid it now.