LOS ANGELES – After recording 40 minutes and more for the fourth time this month, only to see the Los Angeles Lakers lose 127-124 in overtime to the Washington Wizards Monday night, LeBron James insisted he can handle the amount of work required.
“I think the whole story of ‘LeBron needs more rest,’ or should I rest more or take time here, it’s gotten a lot bigger than it really is,” James said. “We’ve never talked about it, I don’t talk about it, I don’t believe in it. We all need more rest, s —. This is a quick change from last season and we all wish we could have more rest, but I’m here to work, I’m here to beat my watch and be available to my teammates.
“And if I’m hurt or I don’t feel well, then we can look at him then. But I only have honest people [advising me], but I’m also honest with myself and me, and me loving the game and being available to my teammates is more important than anything. “
James played 43 minutes against the Wizards and collected 31 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, but admitted that it was not his sharpest.
He played all but one minute and six seconds of the fourth quarter and overtime and scored 13 points, but made it 6-for-13 doing so (0-for-4 of 3) and had four of the 8 highest game digits in that time frame. He also came out 1 to 3 from the free throw line, including a missed try and a 1 that would have lifted LA by one, with 9.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, I take full responsibility [for] missing the free throw, “James said.” I have to make the free throw up there; it is an easy point for us. But I didn’t lose the game there. But I certainly take on that responsibility, and I’ve gotten better. “
In the first month and a half of this season, Lakers coach Frank Vogel has certainly been better at managing the minutes of 18-year veterans. Prior to February, James averaged 33.3 minutes per game – ranked 43rd in the league and the shortest playing time of his career, according to data compiled by ESPN Stats & Information.
However, since the beginning of the month, James has averaged 38.2 minutes in 11 games – the most in the NBA – and LA is starting to struggle, losing four of the last five games since Anthony Davis aggravated his tendinosis. Achilles while suffering a calf strain on his right foot against the Denver Nuggets.
“I’m not pushing myself,” said 36-year-old James, who has played in all 32 LA games this season. “I wouldn’t say that. I go out and play the game. I do my job and I try to do it at a high level, but that was a narrative around the league.
“I’ve never asked for free time or time all season. And it grows to a point where it doesn’t even come from me anymore. It’s like, ‘OK, LeBron should take time off’ or ‘Why “I’ve been hearing this for five, six, seven years now, and I’m still going strong. So I don’t need a document, I’m not looking for a document; my job is to go out when I go out. I’m available.” when I’m healthy to go out and play, and that’s what it’s all about. “
James never played this condensed program, but only came out of the 71-day season.
Vogel was asked if he thought of removing James from the line to keep the Lakers captain fresh, with a repeated title that is the team’s ultimate goal.
“We considered that all season with him. And we’re going to make those decisions from game to game,” Vogel said.
LA goalie Alex Caruso compared the Lakers’ current slip – a three-game losing streak during the season, while Davis and goalie Dennis Schroder were missing – to four-game LA skating had about a third last season . And Lakers center Montrezl Harrell said the team’s struggles will cause “a lot of soul searching.”
As for James, the heart and soul of the reigning champions, Vogel praised the work he does, even as losses begin to pile up.
“It’s a workhorse,” Vogel said. “He does everything he can for us.”