The first two games of the 2024–25 season have given the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James a fresh feeling of purpose.
The Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves to start the year off well, but they went above and beyond when they overcame the Phoenix Suns to advance to 2-0. Anthony Davis, who led all scorers with 35 points, gave Los Angeles another incredible performance, but James also had a quiet good night, starting the game slowly before picking it up in the second half.
James finished with eight assists, four rebounds, and 21 points on 7 of 13 shooting in 35 minutes. Although James played a significant role in the Lakers’ second-half comeback and performed admirably when the team needed him, the box score figures don’t really stand out.
Los Angeles has frequently decided to rest James in order to save him for the finish of the regular season and playoffs after he played so many minutes on the first leg of a back-to-back. James, however, declared that he would be playing in both of their games against the Sacramento Kings and that, if healthy, he would even play in every game of the regular season.
Yes, indeed. I intend to participate in every game. If I don’t, we’ll see what occurs,” James remarked.
LeBron’s remarks appear to go against head coach JJ Redick’s earlier assertion that the stars’ condition on the day of the game will determine whether James and Davis would be rested on the second night of a back-to-back. This could also simply indicate that James is feeling well enough to play the next day, which is a positive indication of his physical condition.
Despite playing 38 minutes against the Suns, Davis should be in the lineup as well, especially since James confirmed his status against the Kings. Despite the fact that Los Angeles is the host, Sacramento will have a quicker lineup that will aim to turn the game into a track meet.
LeBron James refers to Anthony Davis as the primary focus of the Lakers.
LeBron James may be able to boldly announce that he intends to play in all 82 regular games since Anthony Davis is prepared to take on greater responsibility. James has referred to Davis as the primary focus of the Lakers’ goals on both ends of the court and handed him the torch as the team’s spokesperson.