Lakers Reassess LeBron James’ 82-Game Goal Amid Struggles

The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads as they evaluate LeBron James’ ambitious goal of playing all 82 games this season. Amid a noticeable performance slump, Lakers coach JJ Redick voiced doubts about the feasibility of James achieving this milestone, stressing the importance of prioritizing both his health and the team’s overall performance.

“I’m unsure if this goal is the best approach for him and the team,” said Redick after James delivered a season-low performance, scoring just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting in the Lakers’ 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. While Redick left the door open for James to continue playing if he feels physically fit, he emphasized the need for strategic management.

At nearly 40 years old—James celebrates his milestone birthday later this month—the four-time NBA champion is experiencing his worst outside shooting slump since his rookie year. His 0-for-4 performance from beyond the arc against Minnesota extended his streak to 19 consecutive missed three-point attempts over the past four games. According to ESPN Research, this marks James’ most significant shooting drought since his rookie season in 2003-2004, when he missed 24 consecutive three-point attempts.

Monday’s game revealed additional struggles for James. He registered six turnovers and a team-worst plus-minus of minus-28 in 31 minutes of play. Over his last six games, James has failed to shoot above 45% from the field—a streak he hasn’t endured since 2004. Reflecting on his current form, James admitted, “I’m just off rhythm. It’s frustrating, but all I can do is work my way out of it.”

The Lakers’ performance has mirrored James’ struggles. They’ve lost five of their last seven games, dropping to a 12-9 record and settling in eighth place in the Western Conference. Their 80 points against Minnesota represented the franchise’s lowest scoring output since 2017.

Anthony Davis, who also underperformed against Minnesota, recorded a season-low 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and five assists. Davis identified spacing issues as a major factor in the team’s offensive inefficiency. “We’re crowding each other on drives and shots,” Davis explained. “That disrupts our rhythm and flow. It’s something we have to address immediately.”

Redick labeled the Lakers’ recent efforts as “uneven and inconsistent,” signaling the urgency to recapture the cohesion they demonstrated earlier in the season. He committed to working with his coaching staff to identify solutions and reinvigorate the team.

Meanwhile, James, who played his record-breaking 1,800th career game on Monday—surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time mark—remains cautious about his 82-game goal. “It’s a goal, but we’ll see,” James remarked, hinting at the possibility of adapting to the circumstances as the season progresses.

Despite early flashes of brilliance, the Lakers are struggling to establish their identity. Davis echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the team’s inconsistency. “Sometimes we look like contenders, and other times like a team going nowhere. We need to decide who we want to be.”

As the Lakers approach the second quarter of the season, the focus will shift to recalibrating their strategies. Balancing LeBron James’ workload with the team’s needs will be crucial in reigniting their championship ambitions. The journey ahead demands not just adjustments in play but also a clear commitment to rediscovering the consistency and drive that made them a formidable force.