The Los Angeles Lakers are still reliant on LeBron James to create offensively. His ability to score the ball and dictate the game on the offensive end is still at a high level despite his age. James just turned 41 years old and is still one of the best players in the league.
Right now, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings. A big reason for that has been James’ play since he returned from his sciatica injury. James missed the first 14 games of the season due to that back issue. Since then, he’s been playing at an All-Star level.
James’ level of play is not normal for someone his age. On a recent episode of The Mind the Game Podcast, James described the struggles of playing at his age.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers’ LeBron James Describes Struggles of Playing at 41
While talking with Tyrese Haliburton on the podcast, James describes what he goes through in order to play at such a high level at this age.
“There’s times where I wake up on game days, and I be like ‘I don’t got it, man’. I don’t have the energy, I’m tired, I don’t know how I’m going to be able to work up the “oomph” to be able to pay a 48 minute game.”
James then talked about how he’s still able to play so well in spite of all of those struggles.
“To be able to play at the level I’m playing at, just turned 41…I don’t even know how I’m doing it. I’m trying to squeeze as much juice out of the lemon, out of the orange, out of whatever that’s left, as much as I can so I can play the game that I love.”
With James seemingly fully healthy now, the Lakers have the seventh-best offense in the league. His ability to pass the ball and still get downhill with a head of steam is a valuable asset to the team, especially with Austin Reaves still injured.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The Lakers Might Make a Trade to Help James
As well as James has been playing on offense, he still struggles defensively. The whole team still struggles with perimeter defense. They have the sixth-worst defense in the league. That is something the Lakers could look to fix at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles has some expiring contracts that they can use to help get players that fit that need. Once that is taken care of, the Lakers will have a better shot of becoming true title contenders when the playoffs roll around. James, Reaves, and Luka Doncic are good enough to carry the load offensively.
Rob Pelinka will be charged with making the right decision when it comes to bringing in a perimeter defender who isn’t a complete zero on the offensive end of the floor. What trade they make will dictate the success they will have when the postseason arrives.
Lakers’ LeBron James Describes Major Struggles of Playing at His Age