LeBron James Embraces the Grind in Year 23, But Lakers Know the Real Test Is on Defense
LeBron James is doing something we’ve never seen before - not just playing in his 23rd NBA season, but doing it at a level that still moves the needle for a franchise with championship aspirations. At 40 years old and now officially the oldest player in the league, James continues to stretch the boundaries of longevity in professional basketball. But even the King isn’t immune to time.
For the first time in his career, James missed the start of the regular season, sidelined by a bout of sciatica that first surfaced during the offseason. It’s yet another reminder that no matter how elite the conditioning or how meticulous the recovery routine, the body eventually starts sending signals. And LeBron, ever the straight shooter, isn’t sugarcoating it.
“It’s called old,” he told reporters with a grin. “You just wake up with stuff you didn’t have before.”
It was classic LeBron - a little humor layered over a hard truth. He’s still one of the most physically prepared athletes in the game, but the wear and tear is real. The aches are more frequent, the recovery takes longer, and managing his minutes has become as important as managing the scoreboard.
That’s why the Lakers held him out against the Pelicans - a precautionary move tied to a lingering foot issue. It’s part of a broader approach to keep James fresh and functional through what they hope is a deep playoff run.
Head coach JJ Redick has made it clear: the goal is for LeBron to eventually play in back-to-backs this season, but the team’s not rushing anything. They know what’s at stake.
A Smarter Rotation Around the King
Fortunately for Los Angeles, this year’s roster gives LeBron a little more breathing room. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves stepping up, the offense doesn’t have to run through James every possession. Both guards have shown they can carry the load when needed - a crucial development when your franchise cornerstone is managing both minutes and mileage.
In James’ absence, the Lakers didn’t just tread water - they competed. That kind of depth and versatility is exactly what this team needs if they’re serious about surviving the gauntlet that is the Western Conference.
Offense Isn’t the Question - Defense Is
With LeBron back in the lineup, the Lakers have looked like one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. The ball movement, spacing, and shot creation are all clicking.
But James isn’t getting caught up in the fireworks. He’s looking at the other end of the floor.
“Defense is going to decide how great we can be,” he said.
And he’s right. The offense can hang with just about anyone, but if the Lakers want to separate themselves from the pack - not just make the playoffs, but make noise in them - they’ll need to commit on defense.
That means effort, communication, and consistency, especially from the supporting cast. LeBron’s seen enough basketball to know that scoring can win games, but defense wins series.
The Big Picture
This season isn’t about chasing numbers or proving doubters wrong. It’s about managing the moment, preserving the body, and peaking at the right time. LeBron James is still a central figure in the Lakers’ title hopes, but he’s no longer carrying the burden alone - and that’s by design.
Whether it’s sitting out for foot soreness or skipping a back-to-back, the Lakers are playing the long game. Because they know: the best version of this team still starts with a healthy LeBron James. And if they can keep him upright, rested, and locked in - especially on the defensive end - the Lakers will be a problem when it matters most.