The Los Angeles Lakers are led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and there is no denying it after what happened on Tuesday night. The Lakers desperately needed a win, and the duo delivered. For James, it’s all about contending in his final years.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
The Lakers played the final game of a back-to-back, and it was assumed James wouldn’t suit up after his recent comment in New Orleans about playing consecutive games.
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now, okay,” James told reporters.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked about the decision to have James play his first back-to-back of the season. Redick didn’t hold back when praising James’ work ethic.
“His competitive stamina is off the charts. It's actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares and the way certain people talk about him. It's crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It's off the charts,” Redick said.
There is no doubt James still has a passion for the game, and he will be out there at every opportunity. At 41, there is a negative narrative around him regarding his age, but Redick was quick to put that to rest.
James is one of the most talented players to ever play the game, and while some still question whether he’s sitting out due to age, Redick made it clear that’s far from the case.