In an ESPN post-game interview, former NBA forward Richard Jefferson asked Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, his one-time teammate, how he is doing since he has been missing dunk attempts as of late. James had a candid reply. 

“I don't know, RJ. I really don't know, man. I don't know if everything is okay … the ‘Washed King‘ is really starting to catch up with me.”

Richard Jefferson and LeBron James would, later on, discuss why the Lakers are consistently down in the first quarter of games. The two were teammates for two years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and won a ring together during the 2015-16 season. 

In that same interview, James said the team needs to work on their slow starts, especially since they will be facing strong teams in the coming days. Some notable, Laker games are against the Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, and the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles has won 21 games and lost six contests, which puts them just behind the Jazz in the Western Conference. 

At age 36 and in his 18th NBA season, the King's strong play and form are unprecedented. It seems he has no intent on taking his foot off the pedal. Three of the last four Laker games ended in overtime with James logging in at least 40 minutes in those games. The Lakers are the favorites to be back-to-back champions. At this rate, the only thing that could derail such hopes is a major injury to one of their stars. The Lakers have a stacked team on both ends of the floor.