The Los Angeles Lakers are stumbling at the worst possible time as the regular season winds down. Despite LeBron James’ return after missing seven games, the team hasn’t found its rhythm. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes this might be due to James still battling lingering injuries.
The Lakers aren’t seeing the same dominant LeBron who led them to an eight-game winning streak earlier in March following Luka Doncic’s arrival. Since sustaining an injury on March 8 against the Celtics, James has averaged just 18.6 points per game on 42.6% shooting. According to Perkins, the drop-off has a clear reason.
“Here’s the most important thing: LeBron James is not healthy,” Perkins said on First Take. “I think he’s probably about 70, 75 percent. So again, we’re talking about… a time where you’re supposed to be peaking going into the postseason, and the Lakers are trending backward. My sources are telling me he’s not healthy”.
James’ struggles were evident in the Lakers’ recent loss to the Chicago Bulls, which marked his worst performance of the season. He finished with just 17 points on 40% shooting and made costly mistakes late in the game that ultimately sealed the Lakers’ fate.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LeBron’s harsh self-criticism after mistakes vs. Bulls
In the matchup against the Bulls, the Lakers were in control late when James made a costly turnover, giving Chicago a one-point lead. Although Austin Reaves briefly restored the Lakers’ advantage with a clutch layup, Josh Giddey clinched the win for Chicago with a stunning game-winning three-pointer.
see also
LeBron James gets real about Dennis Rodman’s claim that he isn’t skilled enough for the NBA 90s
After the loss, James didn’t hold back when reflecting on his errors. “We put ourselves in a position to win… Horrible turnover by myself,” James admitted. “Bad miscommunication the play before that. AR (Austin Reaves) still hit a big bucket to try to save us, and you tip your hat if someone hits a game-winner from half court”.
The Lakers’ biggest need: Staying healthy
The Lakers have been plagued by injuries during the final stretch of the NBA season. In a recent loss to the Bucks, head coach JJ Redick was forced to field a lineup missing nearly all starters.
Following a morale-boosting 120-108 win over the Nuggets on March 14, Luka Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt emphasized that the team’s priority must be staying healthy.
“Getting healthy. S—, that’d be number one (priority). Getting healthy, getting rest,” Vanderbilt said, with Doncic chiming in, “rest,” in the background, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “And try to get some reps together. That’s the main thing. It’s just getting healthy and keep building our chemistry”.
