The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a 111-103 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron James threw back the clock with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in 33 minutes.
It was one of the best performances of the campaign for James, who has been up and down since making a late-season debut due to a lingering sciatica injury. It was also a much-needed statement game for a team that’s missing one of its best players.
However, with the Lakers set to visit the San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back, he might not be on the floor. When asked about his availability for upcoming back-to-backs, the 23-year veteran made a sad admission with a hilarious joke.
LeBron James jokes about his age when asked about back-to-backs
“I'm 41 years old. Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank [that answer] right now," James said, via Oh No He Didn't. "Look at my birth certificate December 30, 1984 4:39pm. When I came out I slapped the doctor on the (expletive).”
James gets away with things most players wouldn’t. From getting a superstar whistle to not even being asked to play defense because of his age, he’s been there, done that, and has earned his stripes.
It doesn't sound likely that James will be on the floor against the Spurs, and that's probably the wisest approach at this point in his career.
The Lakers shouldn't need James to do the heavy lifting at this point in his career. They should be more than set with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who's still nursing a calf injury he sustained late in December.
James has been there, done that, and has pretty much accomplished most of what any professional athlete wouldn't even dare dream of. At this point, he might be more about stacking numbers and accolades than about putting his body through hell just to get through the regular season.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily align with what the Lakers need from him. They’re still trying to compete at the highest level, and they need everyone locked in and available to stay afloat in the stacked Western Conference.
But with the way the four-time NBA champion has dealt with everything this season, it sounds like they won’t have to worry about him after this season.