NBA – “A trap”: Suspicious, LeBron James’ big warning to the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers NBA superstar LeBron JamesPierre Haessig

Still as heroic as ever at 39 years old, LeBron James is still struggling to keep the Lakers afloat these days. As a period that promises to be lighter for his franchise approaches, the King has sent a clear message to his troops.

With 7 defeats in the last 10 matches, their fans could believe that winning the In-Season Tournament was perhaps ultimately a bad thing. The Lakers have in any case been experiencing great difficulties since their coronation in Las Vegas, even if their tough schedule can partly explain this.

The start of 2024 could nevertheless allow them to turn things around, as Mike Trudell points out:

January will be more kind to the Lakers, who don't have a B2B until Jan. 29/30, and have 10 home games to 5 road games, one of which is at LAC. Only one road game is against an Eastern team (Atlanta, Jan. 30). https://t.co/PxgE30fWbG

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 1, 2024

The month of January promises to be more lenient towards the Lakers, who will not have to play back-to-backs before January 29 and 30.

On top of that, they will play 10 home games and only 5 away, including one against the Los Angeles Clippers. They will only have one trip to the East during this period (to Atlanta on January 30).

As you will have understood, the next few weeks seem more affordable for the Angelinos, who will be able to benefit from more rest between each meeting.

A significant fact, especially for a team that has been much more successful at home (11-4) than away (6-13) this season. This, even if the list of their next opponents includes the Suns, the Thunder or even the Mavericks.

LeBron James warns the Lakers

At 39 years old, LeBron James is certainly not likely to complain about this lighter schedule that awaits him.

However, he fears a certain relaxation on the part of his teammates, whom he therefore warned in comments relayed by Edwin Garcia of Silver Screen & Roll:

It can be a good thing in the sense that it gives us the opportunity to not have to travel too much, but it can also turn into a trap.

We might feel too comfortable because we play a lot at home. We must therefore understand that playing at home does not mean that we can relax.

Of course, it’s always better to sleep in your own bed, but we still have to fight on the pitch because the other teams will come to us to do the same thing that they were able to do to us at home.

We couldn’t be more experienced given his 20 years of experience, LeBron James knows that a less busy schedule can hold unpleasant surprises.

The Lakers are therefore warned before receiving the Heat this Wednesday.