With the Lakers‘ playoff hopes on life support, the team and LeBron James‘ camp have reached an agreement to limit James’ minutes going forward, reports Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (video link).
According to Haynes, LeBron will only play about 28 to 32 minutes per game the rest of the way, and may not play both games in the club’s three remaining back-to-back sets, depending on how he feels. Haynes reports that James’ agent Rich Paul, along with LeBron’s trainer, discussed the plan with the club, and everyone is in agreement.
At 30-35, the Lakers are 6.5 games back of the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference, with just 17 contests left on their schedule. L.A. would have to go on a huge hot streak and leapfrog multiple teams to reach the postseason, which is a scenario that no longer seems plausible. As such, the franchise will opt to play it safe with its star player in the first season of his four-year contract with the club.
Following the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers on Monday, LeBron suggested that he had no plans to sit games unless he got injured again, but acknowledged that the subject of his playing time would probably be broached before long.
“That conversation hasn’t occurred, but I’m sure it can happen soon,” James said at the time. “You kind of look at the rest of the games, and look at the percentages of what’s going on there in the future, and see what makes more sense for not only me but the team itself as well.”
If the Lakers go all-in on developing their young players in the season’s final month, we can expect to see plenty of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram if and when they’re healthy. Rookies Moritz Wagner and Isaac Bonga should also be in line for more regular minutes down the stretch.
no defense… this team can’t play consistent defense..no matter who is on the floor….
Facts
Embrace the tank!
Kuzma & Ball are out. It’s too much to overcome at this point and they don’t seem to be in the mood to try.
They should play Moritz over McGee now, and Bonga over Rondo. McGee is tiring and Rondo like James still does not look 100%. Moritz may not be easy to get integrated but is worth it and now is the time to push it. See how Moritz & Bonga work with James. Hart seems to have a problem in that area still. Good on Ingram in recovering his game.
At this point why not do this. Since I love what Williams ,Alex and mo brought to the table last game
Ignore that last message didn’t mean to send it. What I wanted to say was Hart look bad at times like he had no hops like he couldn’t get any lift and made everything easy to block at the rim
The GOAT ?
At this point why not do this. Since I love what Williams ,Alex and mo brought to the table last game
The media going to go crazy if or when the Lakers don’t make the playoffs because right now it a long shot. Since this will be LeBron first time missing it in years
Seasons over! Only LeBron will be a Laker next season!
No they won’t. At this point, no one cares!
LeQuit.
LeTank.
When the going gets tough, the GOAT starts sitting. Nice message as a mentor to the younger players. Maybe this will give him more time for his other role as self-appointed GM.
Haters galore!!!
Just a shame for the fans that will see less of #TheKing!
Haters gon hate. They should be bowing down to the King.