LeBron James recently opened up about what he believes is the key to the Lakers' success this season: health. It's a straightforward concept, but one that has eluded the team. Without it, even the most talented roster struggles to find cohesion on the court.
The Importance of Health and Reps
In a recent appearance on the Mind the Game podcast, LeBron emphasized, “We’re playing good ball at times, but the number one important thing for us is back to health… that is going to be the most important for our team.” This isn't a new sentiment for LeBron; it's been a recurring theme over the past few years.
The Lakers have little room for error, and when their stars are sidelined, the impact is significant. This season has been no different.
LeBron himself missed the first 14 games due to sciatica and has now missed 18 games in total. This guarantees he won't meet the 65-game threshold, ending his All-NBA streak.
Austin Reaves has also been absent for 26 of the Lakers' 57 games. When healthy, Reaves has been a powerhouse, averaging 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on over 50% shooting.
His absence is deeply felt.
Luka Doncic, another key player, leads the league in scoring and is a top contender for MVP with averages of 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. Yet, he has missed 12 games. There's no easy replacement for his level of play.
The Challenge of Continuity
LeBron reflected on past seasons with Anthony Davis to illustrate his point. “When AD was on the team, if AD goes down, it was like s*** we don’t have enough to pick that up.” The Lakers' reliance on their stars is clear, and this dependency hasn't shifted over time.
The real challenge isn't just the number of games missed; it's the lack of time spent playing together. Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves form a formidable offensive trio, capable of scoring and creating plays. However, chemistry and timing are built through shared experiences on the court, something they've been lacking.
Even with a healthy roster, the Lakers face defensive challenges. But with their trio in sync, they have the offensive firepower to outscore opponents.
Without consistent playtime together, their potential remains largely untapped. For the Lakers to truly realize their capabilities, staying healthy and maintaining continuity is crucial.
Until then, the Lakers' true potential is just a conversation, not a reality.