The Los Angeles Lakers have been a force to be reckoned with so far this season, and the most impressive part is that they’ve managed it while dealing with injuries in nearly every game. This is exactly what LeBron James hoped for entering the year: a team capable of legitimately competing for a championship.
“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.”
James has yet to play in a game this season, but he’s getting close. Former Laker James Worthy still believes James provides something that Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic don’t.
“One thing LeBron brings is that push. Luka, he'll fast break, but he's under control. He's always in 2nd or 3rd gear. LeBron will push it, and that's what they're missing a little bit is that flow and that pace of putting the pressure on the defense,” Worthy said.
James could return as early as Tuesday, but he met with the media on Monday to discuss his progress. While talking about his comeback, he made it clear there’s one part of returning he’s not looking forward to.
“I missed these guys. Just seeing them go out there and working. I love the work, I love the process of working. I don't miss the travel. I'm about to be 41 years old. I was happy to be at home on my couch after working out,” James said.
Flying several times a week is taxing on the body, especially at age 40. In his younger days, the travel wouldn’t have bothered him, but now it certainly takes a toll.
James will ease back into action when he returns and will still have scheduled off days. The most important thing for the Lakers will be managing his workload—and the effects of constant travel.