Even though he is nearly 39 years old, LeBron James is still showing incredible performance. After 7 games in the NBA, he is averaging 25.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks. However, there is a more surprising number, which is that LeBron James is playing an average of 35.9 minutes/match, ranking in the top 10 players with the most matches since the beginning of the season.
Previously, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham announced that he would only limit LeBron James to an average of 28-30 minutes per game to maintain his fitness. However, the Lakers’ poor performance without LeBron James forced Darvin Ham to risk the superstar’s health.
In this article, The Sporting News will analyze LeBron James’ huge influence on the Los Angeles Lakers’ playing style and why it is a serious problem for the home team at CRYPTO.COM Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers played very poorly without LeBron James
Looking back at reality, it is normal for a team to perform worse without a key superstar. However, no one has as big of a difference as the way the Los Angeles Lakers play with and without LeBron James on the court.
According to NBA statistics, the Lakers are leading their opponents by an average of 11.6 points in every 100 possession situations when LeBron James is on the court. When the 39-year-old superstar rested, they let their opponents lead by an average of 37 points in 100 defensive situations. The average difference of 48.6 points is the worst number for an NBA team without a key star.
With Anthony Davis next to LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers become even more dangerous. According to statistics, once this duo is on the field, the Lakers are leading their opponents by an average of 41 points for every 100 possession situations.
The Lakers’ biggest problem is that LeBron James is 39 years old while Anthony Davis is often injured. None of them have been able to play more than 56 games a season over the past four years with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the remaining positions, D’Angelo Russell still has problems making decisions in offensive phases. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent both have a decline in performance compared to last season.
Taurean Prince and Christian Wood still played well but that wasn’t enough without LeBron James on the field. Injuries to Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura have made the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems worse than ever. In the match against the Heat, Anthony Davis had to leave the field in the third quarter after experiencing hip pain.
In the remaining positions, D’Angelo Russell still has problems making decisions in offensive phases. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent both have a decline in performance compared to last season. Taurean Prince and Christian Wood still played well but that wasn’t enough without LeBron James on the field. Injuries to Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura have made the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems worse than ever.
Jarred Vanderbile and Rui Hachimura are absent due to injury
As mentioned above, the Los Angeles Lakers are losing two important players from last season, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, due to injury. Hachimura has only started 3 games, while Vanderbilt has not even been on the field this season.
Both are players with unique skill sets that can help lighten LeBron James’ load and help the Los Angeles Lakers in many situations. Rui Hachimura is quite dangerous with 3 points in the corner as well as the ability to fight independently and stably. Jarred Vanderbilt is an aggressive player and can defend all 5 positions on the field.
The return of these two players in the near future will be a great mental stimulant for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, before this duo returns, coach Darvin Ham will have to find other ways to help ease the burden on LeBron James, if he doesn’t want the 39-year-old superstar to be exhausted for the rest of the season. 2023/24.
