NBA news: LeBron James’ TBD approach tested in Lakers loss to Spurs
LeBron James has never shied away from redefining expectations, even deep into a career that has already stretched further than any other in NBA history.
Now in his 23rd season and at 41 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers star has made it clear that availability, especially on consecutive nights, will be determined one game at a time.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo assesses the Lakers’ new approach regarding the management of LeBron James.
A season defined by careful choices
For James, preserving his body has become as important as producing on the court.
After a dominant showing against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, James was asked about the challenge of playing again the very next night.
His response was blunt and light-hearted at the same time. Every back to back situation for the remainder of the season, he explained, would be undecided until his body told him otherwise.
He pointed to his age and the sheer volume of minutes he has logged across two decades as justification for that approach.
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Defying time while respecting it
Statistically, James continues to stand alone.
While his season averages of just over 21 points, nearly seven assists and around five rebounds mark some of the lower per game numbers of his career, context matters.
No other player has reached a 23rd NBA season, let alone remained a nightly difference maker.
Since turning 41 on December 30, James has elevated his scoring, averaging 26 points per game over that stretch.
Historically, players past 41 have barely cracked five points per game, making his output almost unprecedented.
His season did not begin smoothly. Sciatica issues forced him to miss the first 14 games, and when he returned, his rhythm took time to settle.
During that early stretch, his scoring dipped and a long standing streak of games with double digit points came to an end.
Since then, however, his production has surged, reinforcing the idea that health management rather than decline is the key variable.
Humour, honesty and a clear message
James has also been candid, and often humorous, when discussing his situation.
When reporters noted that he still does not look his age on the floor, he doubled down on the reality of his birth date, jokingly reminding everyone exactly when he entered the world.
Beneath the jokes, the message was consistent. He wants to be available when it matters most, and that means not committing to every back to back night.
Unlike earlier seasons, when he often pushed through tight schedules, this year has required more restraint.
Along with his back issues, he has dealt with ongoing foot management, prompting a more conservative approach from both James and the Lakers medical staff.
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A new dynamic alongside Luka Doncic
This season has also marked a subtle shift in James’ role.
With Luka Doncic now the central engine of the Lakers offense, James has embraced a more off-ball presence.
He has emphasised that the responsibility lies with the rest of the roster, himself included, to adapt around the 26-year-old franchise cornerstone.
The adjustment has helped Los Angeles climb the Western Conference standings and enter the Spurs game with momentum.
Reality hits in San Antonio
That momentum stalled when James ultimately did not suit up against the San Antonio Spurs.
Downgraded to out roughly 90 minutes before tipoff due to left joint arthritis and lingering sciatica, James joined Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on the sidelines.
The absence proved costly.
Despite a historic effort from Doncic, who recorded a 38-point triple double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, the Lakers lacked the depth and defensive stability to keep pace.
San Antonio pulled away with a strong third-quarter run and secured a 107 to 91 victory.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points, while Victor Wembanyama added a double-double as San Antonio continued its rise near the top of the conference.
Los Angeles, missing three regular starters, struggled to generate consistent scoring beyond Doncic.
Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes were the only other Lakers to reach double figures, and the team’s three-game winning streak came to an end.
Managing the bigger picture
Head coach JJ Redick explained before the game that the decision to sit James was rooted in long-term thinking.
Post-game soreness, particularly in James’ foot, remains a concern, and back to back situations continue to be evaluated cautiously.
The hope, Redick said, is that James can eventually handle consecutive nights, but the current stretch of the season makes that uncertain.
The Spurs loss underscored both sides of the Lakers reality.
With James, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the West. Without him, even a monumental performance from Doncic is not always enough.
For James, the balance between brilliance and preservation continues, with each decision shaped by the same principle he has repeated all season.
At 41, nothing is automatic, and every game is earned.
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