Tag: #LakersPreseason

LeBron James Misses Shootaround Ahead of Suns Preseason Game: Rest or Concern?

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Lakers’ star skips morning session as the team faces a critical preseason back-to-back

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a preseason showdown with the Phoenix Suns, one notable absence at the morning shootaround has raised questions. LeBron James, the team’s cornerstone player, did not participate, sparking speculation about whether this is a move for rest or a sign of deeper concerns.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin was quick to report the development, stating, “LeBron James did not participate in shootaround this morning, per the Lakers,” in a tweet shared on X (formerly Twitter). With no official word of an injury, many believe this absence is precautionary, especially considering the Lakers have another preseason game lined up against the Golden State Warriors the following day.

Rest or Monitoring? LeBron’s Minutes Under Scrutiny

For a player entering his 22nd season, it’s not uncommon for teams to manage minutes and workloads, especially in back-to-back games. LeBron, now 39 years old, may be under even tighter monitoring to ensure he’s in top shape for the long grind of the regular season.

The Lakers have yet to confirm the exact reasoning behind James missing the shootaround. However, based on last season’s experience, we know LeBron isn’t always keen on resting or being put under minutes restrictions. In fact, during Netflix’s Starting 5, an open mic caught LeBron expressing his frustration with such restrictions during their season opener against the Denver Nuggets.

“I know y’all got me on f—–g old man time percentages and s–t…two shots in eight minutes is just getting cardio. I hate this s–t already. This s–t’s garbage,” LeBron vented. His sentiments made it clear that despite his age, he still feels capable of playing big minutes and contributing at a high level.

Pushing for Success in Season 22

As LeBron embarks on his 22nd NBA season, one might expect him to slow down. However, the four-time MVP shows no signs of relenting. Last season, James averaged 35.3 minutes per game, ranking him 17th in the league, a staggering figure for a player in his late thirties. The high workload speaks to the level at which LeBron continues to perform—challenging the boundaries of what’s physically expected of an aging star.

One of the unique motivations fueling him this season could be his son, Bronny James. Playing with his son is a dream that LeBron has long held, and he expressed the emotional significance of this potential milestone after the Lakers’ second preseason game.

“For a father, it means everything. For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have that influence on your son, be able to have moments with your son — and the ultimate, to be able to work with your son — that’s one of the greatest things that a father could ever hope for or wish for,” LeBron said.

Eyes on the Championship

Beyond personal milestones, the overarching goal for LeBron and the Lakers remains the same: win. After falling short of a title since their 2020 Championship run, the team is eager to return to glory, and LeBron will undoubtedly be the driving

 

Bronny James’ Preseason Struggles Raise Questions Despite Historic Floor Sharing with LeBron

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Rocky Start for Bronny

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on their preseason performance, which included a thrilling comeback victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. While the team’s stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, look ready for the season, another player on the roster has been receiving significant attention—LeBron’s son, Bronny James.

Despite sharing the floor with his father in a historic moment earlier in the preseason, Bronny’s on-court performance has raised eyebrows. His statistics so far have drawn criticism, particularly his league-worst plus/minus rating among all players in preseason games, according to Steph Noh of The Sporting News.

“Through three preseason games, Bronny James has the worst plus/minus of all 494 players to log exhibition minutes thus far,” Noh reported. While this stat might seem alarming, the broader context paints a more nuanced picture.

Understanding the Numbers

The plus/minus stat, which measures a player’s impact on the score while they are on the court, can be misleading if not considered in context. Bronny has primarily played with the Lakers’ third-string lineup, a factor that likely influenced his poor performance in this metric. Playing alongside less experienced teammates can put a player at a disadvantage, especially when they’re still finding their footing in the league.

Though the numbers may not be in Bronny’s favor, it’s important to note that he’s still developing. His limited minutes on the floor show that the Lakers are gradually integrating him into the rotation, recognizing that he is a long-term project. His journey will not be without its struggles, but development behind the scenes could prove key to his future success.

A Narrative to Overcome

Unfortunately, Bronny’s early struggles have fueled a narrative that he may not have earned his spot on the Lakers’ roster. With his famous father as a teammate, speculation and criticism are inevitable. However, Bronny has shown flashes of potential, and it’s clear the Lakers’ coaching staff views him as a work in progress who could contribute more significantly over time.

While some will continue to focus on his current stats, it’s essential to remember that many young players take years to reach their potential in the NBA. Bronny’s preseason woes may be concerning to some, but they do not tell the full story of his future prospects with the Lakers.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Bronny develops and whether he can silence the doubters. His journey, while challenging, is one filled with opportunity, especially under the guidance of his father, LeBron, and the experienced Lakers roster.