Even though he is nearly 39 years old, LeBron James is still showing incredible performance. After 7 games played 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 once 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 health of this superstar.
In this article, The Sporting News will analyze LeBron James’ huge influence on the playing style of the Los Angeles Lakers 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 a big difference like the way the Los Angeles Lakers play with and without LeBron James on the court.
According to NBA statistics, the Lakers lead their opponents by an average of 11.6 points in every 100 ball possession situations when LeBron James is on the court. Once the 39-year-old superstar rested, they let their opponents lead by an average of 37 points in every 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 lead their opponents by an average of 41 points for every 100 ball possession situations.
The Lakers’ biggest problem is that LeBron James is 39 years old while Anthony Davis is often injured. None of them has been able to play more than 56 games a season in the past four years with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the remaining positions, D’Angelo Russell still has problems making decisions in the offensive phases. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent have had a decline in performance compared to last season.
Taurean Prince and Christian Wood still played well, but that wasn’t enough when they were 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 a pain in his hip.
In the remaining positions, D’Angelo Russell still has problems making decisions in the offensive phases. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent have had a decline in performance compared to last season. Taurean Prince and Christian Wood still played well, but that wasn’t enough when they were 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 played 3 matches, while Vanderbilt has not even been able to play this season.
Both are players with unique skill sets, able to help lighten the load for LeBron James and help the Los Angeles Lakers in many situations. Rui Hachimura is quite dangerous with 3-pointers in the corner of the court, as well as the ability to independently and stably fight. 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 relieve LeBron James’ load, if he doesn’t want the 39-year-old superstar to be exhausted for the rest of the season. 2023/24.
