Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James claimed he doesn't feel the need to take part in load management even after figuring in several tight contests amid the absence of Anthony Davis. The four-time NBA MVP wanted to make a statement that he can still go hard and endure the long season at age 36.
In fact, LeBron seemed sick of hearing the questions about it:
LeBron: "This whole narrative of LeBron needs more rest … has become a lot bigger than it actually is."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 23, 2021
LeBron: "I've never asked for time off, or time throughout the season. It's grown to the point where it's not even from me anymore. … I've been hearing for five, six, seven years now and I'm still going strong. I'm not looking for a handout."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 23, 2021
LeBron: "I'm here to work and punch my clock in and be available to my teammates."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 23, 2021
With Anthony Davis still nursing his Achilles injury, the pressure on LeBron James to lead the Lakers has gotten even bigger in their past few games. This has become even more true with Dennis Schroder out as well. Unfortunately, Los Angeles is 1-3 in its last four games since Davis went down against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 14.
The Lakers' latest loss came at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Monday night after the two teams extended the game to overtime, with the defending champions blowing a 17-point second-half lead. The high-scoring production of both Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal made life harder for the Lakers as they recorded 32 and 33 points apiece.
The four-time MVP in LeBron James can only do so much on his own. He put up a near-triple-double output of 31 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists only to lose in a narrow 127-124 defeat, and he looked gassed at the end of the game. LeBron played 43 minutes against the Wizards and is over 38 minutes per game in February thanks in part to four overtime games, including a double-overtime affair.
The Lakers are now on a three-game losing skid and will face the league-leading Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, meaning there's a good chance that streak extends to four. With the level of adversity L.A. is currently seeing without Davis, some type of roster upgrade is expected.
LeBron James and the Lakers are hoping they can hold their ground as much as possible as they wait until Anthony Davis finally returns to the court next month.
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