The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be LeBron James’ team.
As such, they might only get as far as he can carry them in the postseason.
Granted that banking all hopes on a soon-to-be 39-year-old isn’t the wisest choice, but he’s no ordinary 39-year-old.
As a matter of fact, coach Darvin Ham recently confirmed that James has gotten back to full strength, adding that he’s got his “pre-foot injury burst back” (via Michael Corvo).
Darvin Ham said “without question” LeBron has his pre-foot injury burst back. “He’s 100% healthy…He looks like 3rd or 4th Year LeBron.”
Ham said the help around LeBron should allow him keep that burst throughout the season, so when the Lakers “get to our destination, he’ll be… pic.twitter.com/1fzatbfwq8
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) October 4, 2023
Ham added that all the help around LeBron will help them keep him fresh for when it matters the most, which has obviously been a major concern for the team.
James is one of the most durable and physically dominant players in NBA history, but he can only keep fooling Father Time for so much longer.
It’ll be up to the rest of the supporting cast to pick up the slack, especially during the regular season, so he won’t be limping his way to the finish line again.
James was visually exhausted and banged up later in the season last year, and Anthony Davis needs to step up and embrace a bigger and more active role in the team going forward.
James can still be the best player on Earth for a 16 or 20-game stretch in the postseason.
That’s why the Lakers need to make sure he’s as close to 100% when that time comes, even if that means losing a couple of regular-season matchups with him on the bench.
NEXT: Darvin Ham Admits Lakers Have Identified Their Fifth Starter
