As LeBron James recuperates from a groin injury, NBA analysts like Bill Simmons have offered their perspectives on the situation. Despite James’ absence from the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic has delivered strong performances, including a 45-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks and a victory over the Phoenix Suns. Simmons suggests that this period of rest, even if it impacts the Lakers’ playoff seeding, could be beneficial for James.
Simmons pointed out that this is James’ last opportunity for significant rest before the playoffs. “The time the injury happened [at] the end of the Celtics game, they’ve already lost. The stuff from the state championship game, like him jumping around on the sidelines,” Simmons said, as per The Bill Simmons Podcast.
Los Angeles Lakers: Bill Simmons Questions The Validity of LeBron James Injury
“By the way, smart for him to rest up and get his s*** together for the playoff run, but you know we were talking about this, or at least the media was, in these grave terms. LeBron, this might be the rest of the year. I think he’s fine, and I think the Lakers have to be taken seriously, and I’m not going to waver from that point.”
Since James’ injury, the Lakers have dropped from second to fifth in the Western Conference standings, missing him for four games. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has given clear instructions to Luka Doncic during James’ absence: maintain his usual style of play.
Redick addressed the media before the Lakers’ game against the Suns, stating, “The marching orders for him don’t change if LeBron is out of the lineup. I think the way basketball works, at least in my mind, is that people, players, and skill sets all have to complement each other and work together. Everybody has a role, and everybody is valued. And if you do that role well, we have a chance to win.”
Redick emphasized the importance of players fulfilling their roles, saying, “Luka has to be Luka … same thing with our guys that are defensive-minded, or shooters, you just got to be you, and you hope that there’s enough to fill in the gap when guys are out.”
The Lakers are scheduled to play the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.