LeBron Still Delivering in Year 23, but Lakers Searching for Answers as Road Trip Begins
Even in Year 23, LeBron James continues to defy Father Time. The numbers speak for themselves-29 points, nine rebounds, six assists in his latest outing.
But the problem for the Lakers isn’t James. It’s everything else.
The team’s recent slide hit another low with a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, a game where defense was more of a suggestion than a strategy. Charlotte got what they wanted offensively, and despite LeBron’s all-around effort, the Lakers came up short once again.
Now, the Lakers hit the road for a back-to-back stretch, starting Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers. And while Portland may not be at the top of the Western Conference standings, they’re hanging around the Play-In mix-and a big reason why is Deni Avdija.
Avdija has taken a leap this season, and LeBron has clearly noticed.
“He’s a physical, physical driver to the rim,” James said on the Mind the Game podcast. “If you don’t have a body in front of him… if you’re on the side of him, then he’s gonna get that foul call. He’s super physical, especially going downhill to his right hand.”
That’s high praise coming from one of the game’s best at reading defenses. And James didn’t stop there.
“He’s worked a lot on his outside shooting, too,” he added. “When he was in Washington, that’s what he didn’t have.
He’s always had this speed with the ball. Very fast with the ball, downhill to his right hand.
Big body, big wing. But this year, in particular, I’ve seen him extend his range and make some shots from the perimeter at a more consistent rate.
And it’s resulted in him having a breakout, career year so far.”
Avdija has evolved into a true three-level scorer-something that wasn’t always part of his game in Washington. Now in Portland, he’s not just attacking the rim with physicality, he’s spacing the floor and drawing fouls like a seasoned pro. At 25, there’s still room for growth, but he’s already showing signs of becoming a foundational piece for the Blazers.
This kind of recognition from LeBron matters. He’s not just tossing out compliments.
When he singles out a young player, it’s because he sees something real. And Avdija isn’t the only one.
James recently compared Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson to Scottie Pippen-another nod to the next generation of versatile wings making their mark.
As for the Lakers, they’re still trying to find their footing. The inconsistency has been frustrating, especially when LeBron is playing at this level. Head coach JJ Redick, now in his second season on the bench, hasn’t been shy about defending his star.
After another standout performance from James, Redick addressed the criticism that continues to follow LeBron, calling it “unfortunate” that so many are still quick to question him despite everything he’s accomplished-and continues to do.
And he’s got a point. LeBron isn’t just putting up stats-he’s still impacting games, mentoring young stars, and pushing his team forward.
But if the Lakers want to make any noise this season, they’ll need more than just LeBron being LeBron. The defense has to show up.
The supporting cast has to step up. And it has to start now, with a tough road stretch ahead.
Because while LeBron’s still writing chapters in his legendary career, time waits for no team.