LOS ANGELES – After recording more than 40 minutes for the fourth time this month just to see the Los Angeles Lakers lose 127-124 in overtime to the Washington Wizards Monday night, LeBron James insisted he could handle the workload that is asked of him. he.
“I think this whole‘ LeBron ’narrative needs more rest’ or it should rest more or it should take time here, it’s become a lot bigger than it actually is, ”James said. “I’ve never talked about it, I don’t talk about it, I don’t believe it. We all need more rest, s —. This is a quick change from last season and we all wish I could have more rest, but I’m here to work, i’m here to punch the clock and be available to my teammates.
“And if it hurts or if I don’t feel good, we can look at it. But I have nothing but honest people [advising me], but I’m also honest with myself, and loving the game and being available to my teammates is more important than anything. “
James played 43 minutes against the Wizards and racked up 31 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, but admitted he wasn’t the strongest.
He played every minute minus one minute and six seconds of the fourth quarter and overtime and scored 13 points, but made it 6 to 13 in doing so (0 for 4 of 3) and had four of his eight maximum changes in the game during this time period. He also came out 1-on-3 from the free-throw line, including an error in a 1-point attempt and which would have increased an LA with 9.8 seconds left for the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, I take full responsibility [for] this free kick is missing, “James said.” I have to do the free throw up there; it’s an easy point for us. But we didn’t lose the game there. But I take that responsibility, for sure, and I have to be better. “
During the first month and a half of this season, Lakers coach Frank Vogel was arguably better at managing the minutes of the 18-year veterans. Prior to February, James averaged 33.3 minutes per game, ranking 43rd in the league and representing the shortest playing time of his career, according to data compiled by ESPN Stats & Information.
However, since the beginning of the month, James has averaged 38.2 minutes in 11 games – the NBA’s highest – and LA is starting to fight, having lost four of his last five games since Anthony Davis aggravated Achilles tendinosis while suffering a calf strain on his right leg against the Denver Nuggets.
“I don’t push myself,” said 36-year-old James, who has played in all 32 LA games this season. “I wouldn’t say it. I’ll go out and play the game. I’m doing my job and I’m trying to do it at a high level, but that’s been a story around the league.
“I’ve never asked for free time or free time all season. And it’s growing to a point where it doesn’t even come to me. It’s like, ‘Well, LeBron should take time off’ or ‘Why do you have the your job? ‘I’ve been listening to it for five, six, seven years and I’m still strong. So I don’t need any brochures, I’m not looking for any; my job is to go out when I’m there I’m available when I’m healthy to go out and play, and that’s what it’s all about. “
James has never played on such a condensed schedule, but has only come out in a 71-day low season.
Vogel was asked if he has considered keeping James out of training to keep the Lakers captain cool, with the team’s ultimate goal of repeating title.
“We’ve considered it all season with him. And we’ll make those decisions game by game,” Vogel said.
LA goalie Alex Caruso compared the Lakers’ current slide (a three-game streak defeated during the season in the absence of Davis and defender Dennis Schroder) to four-game skating. LA had about a third of last season. And Lakers center Montrezl Harrell said the team’s struggles will cause “a lot of soul searching.”
As for James, the heart and soul of the current champions, Vogel praised the work he is doing, even as losses begin to pile up.
“It’s a workhorse,” Vogel said. “He’s doing everything he can for us.”