LA Lakers Lebron James Minutes Restriction
When Yahoo Sports Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes stated that Los Angeles Lakers (LA Lakers) would put Lebron James on a minutes restriction, there were mixed feelings about the news. According to the reports, LA Lakers and James trainer had agreed to limit the athletes playing time between 20-32 minutes per game. Moreover, the two parties had agreed to keep James off back-to-back games.
LA Lakers Lebron James Minutes Restriction. PHOTO: NBA
Lebron James was injured on 25th December 2018 and was withdrawn in the 3rd quarter. He made a return later on 31st January against LA Clippers after serving his longest absence with an injury in his entire career. He went on to play 40 mins in an overtime win.
LA Laker Lebron James Minutes Per Game
However, since that moment, his average minutes per game declined from the initial 40 minutes. In February 2019, the 34-year-old averaged 37.5 minutes per game, while in March, he clocked 28.5 minutes per game the same year. His game time went lower to 34 minutes per game.
LA Laker Lebron James Minutes Per Game. PHOTO: Sky Sports
According to media outlets, the decision to rest the 15-time All-Star who has only missed two playoffs in his entire NBA career in each of his first two seasons was to keep him healthy, fit and ready for sharp seasons.
Anthony Davies was also placed under minutes restriction, and the news came in Lakers 125-119 win over Pelicans where Lebron garnered 33 points and ten assists. Davies was in a restriction of 28 minutes in the Lakers game over the Celtics.
Lebron James Chases Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan
With the restrictions agreed on Lebron, it would be hard to meet some milestones in the NBA. His comparison with the late Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in terms of accomplishments would not be watered down but be looked like a shadow. However, both Kobe and Jordan were also under minutes restriction despite their form and performances.
Lebron James Chases Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan. PHOTO: The SportsRush
In his first season with the Lakers, King James averaged 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists in over 47 games. Lebron has played through eight straight finals that include 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final round and the Olympic basketball. But how does he keep fit pushing his body to the limit beyond a regular gruelling season?
LA Lakers Lebron James $1.5 million body
Each athlete has a training facility and wellness coach that transcend what the team provides. Maverick Carter, James business manager, claims that the American spends approximately $1.5 million yearly on off-season measures. These include cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers and NormaTec leg boots.
Despite the hefty amount of money James uses on his body, the worthwhile investment reduces the risk of suffering serious injuries as well as optimizing his performance on the court.
LA Lakers Lebron James $1.5 million body. PHOTO: Man of Many
Former Lebron James teammate Mike Miller agrees with James fitness regime saying, “A lot of people think it’s a big expense, but that big expense has allowed him to make a lot more money for a long period.
Two-time NBA MVP James also follows a strict workout routine for days a week and a disciplined eating habit. Chief content editor Alex Kennedy in 2018 tweeted, “He (James) has personal chefs, trainers, etc. He has a strict routine and diet. He invested in his body so he can dominate.”
LA Lakers Lebron James ankle sprain injury
LA Lakers Lebron James ankle sprain injury. PHOTO: The Guardian
Recently, Lebron James sustained a right ankle injury but somehow remained in the game. He was, however, looking slightly off the pace and was later withdrawn. LA Lakers consequently lost the game. James teammate Kyle Kuzma in an interview said, “I haven’t necessarily seen him scream, and you know scald like that probably ever.”
James later tweeted, “Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates. I’m hurt inside and out right now.” James would be out indefinitely after the high ankle sprain and is expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks.
Lebron James injury impact on LA Lakers
Lebron has shown a tremendous capacity to recover from injury throughout his career, but the situation leaves the Lakers in a difficult position.
With Lebron James, their leader injured, Anthony Davis is also recovering from his calf injury and is expected to return at the end of the month. The Lakers, unless they can address their unfortunate turn of events, may risk their position in highly competitive Western Conference games.
Lebron James injury impact on LA Lakers. PHOTO: The Japan Times
It could be a challenging journey in the road to the NBA play-off finals with major injury setbacks.
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