Lakers star LeBron James
LeBron James, who is 39 years old and has played in 21 NBA seasons—1,492 games with 56,597 minutes in the regular season and an additional 287 games with 11,654 minutes in the postseason—would be quite justified in feeling a little worn out and sore at this time of year. Of course, during the Lakers’ previous campaign, James was experiencing discomfort in his right foot and ankle.
Following the Lakers’ season-ending victory over the Pelicans on Sunday, James provided an update on his 2024 health status and stated that, at the absolute least, he is in better shape than he was when the Lakers faced Minnesota in a play-in game to secure the No. 7 spot in the playoffs one year prior.
They will play in New Orleans this year, where on Tuesday night the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 124-108. James contrasted his health to this time last year following that victory.
Following Sunday’s game, James remarked, “Better than I did at the end of the season last year, going into the postseason.” “Clearly, we’re still addressing it, in any case, a few minor issues here and a few minor issues there. However, I’m really proud of the offseason. Throughout the regular season, I’m just trying to get my body back in shape and get my ankle and foot back in check.
The Pelicans will play a “Extremely Physical” game against the Lakers.
But now that the regular season is over, the Lakers face their biggest test. LeBron James is also cautioning his colleagues to prepare for a thrilling comeback match in New Orleans. The Lakers can secure the seventh seed in the playoffs if they defeat the Pelicans at New Orleans on Tuesday. The Lakers will need to win in order to qualify.
In addition to forcing 19 turnovers, the Lakers limited Zion Williamson to 12 points on 4 of 13 shots. James cautioned the Lakers to be prepared for the Pelicans’ adjustments, which would be ready on Tuesday.
The game on Tuesday is going to be very demanding physically and intellectually. I’ve always known that when a team wins the first game of a playoff series—which, in my opinion, consists of two games—they have several days to process the feeling of defeat and prepare for our team. As a result, they will be primed for victory.
“We need to approach this game with the same urgency as the last one.”
LeBron James Wins the Triple Crown in the Closing
James has had a very remarkable season considering his age and experience. He has made 41.0% of his 3-pointers (a career high) and 54.0% of his shots, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
However, he takes great pride in one particular number: 71. Counting the In-Season Tournament championship, that is the total number of games he has participated in this season.
At this stage in his career, James remarked, “it’s pretty cool to be able to play 70+ games and be available for my guys, and only a couple of them because of injury or illness, being sick.”
Not to be overlooked is the fact that James performed admirably in Sunday’s Game 71. In addition to his five steals, he finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 17 assists. In the first quarter, he had eight assists, and in the second half, he had 13.
I have to play every position in the game to achieve my goal of winning, whether it be as an attacker in the scoring range, a set-up player, a defense, or anything else. Since I am a Swiss Army knife, I have to do everything on the ground and there are no set steps, James remarked.
