The NBA layoff has been long, and there is no telling how teams will respond once they return to the hardwood. However, LeBron James is trying to keep the Los Angeles Lakers focused.
James has reportedly been in constant communication with his teammates throughout the suspension of play, helping them get back up to speed as they look to resume their championship journey, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
From keeping it lighthearted to being serious, James has been at the forefront during the Lakers’ group chats about staying “mentally and physically prepared” as they approach heading to Orlando, according to people familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly.
The Lakers are in excellent shape as they get ready to travel to Orlando. The NBA will return in July, with 22 teams heading to the Walt Disney World in Floriday for an eight-game conclusion to the regular season. This will be followed by a slightly modified playoff format, one allowing for a potential play-in tournament between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in both conferences.
The Purple and Gold leads crosstown rivals Los Angeles Clippers by 5.5 games for the top seed in the Western Conference. Though they might end up playing just six games due to scheduling, the NBA determined it would use winning percentage and standard procedures for any potential tiebreakers — which bodes well for LeBron James and Co.
The Lakers were on a streak prior to the suspension of play, going 8-2 after the All-Star break. James, in particular, was playing at an exceptionally high level.
King James is determined to win his fourth title, and he is intent on keeping his teammates on track with the NBA's return nearly at hand.
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