As expected, LeBron James was the subject of headlines over the weekend. Even with a roster also featuring six-time All-Star Anthony Davis and made more colorful by such notables as Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, he remained the subject of scrutiny throughout and after Media Day. From pundits to punters to scribes to spectators came variations of the same question: How much should be expected of him coming off his worst season since his first in the league 16 years ago?
The answer, James argued, will come by example and not from explanation. “I’m very motivated, but I’m right now not in talking-about-it mode. Been very quiet this summer, for a reason. My mother always taught me, ‘Don’t talk about it, be about it.’ That’s where I’m at. As a team, me myself, need to get the Lakers back to what they’ve been accustomed to every year, so excited about that.” And, depending on perspective, the prospective looks to be full of positives, fraught with pitfalls, or both.
Consider this: By all accounts, James is already in midseason form, benefiting from forced rest off the first significant injury of his career and the Lakers’ inability to make the playoffs. When the 2019-20 season kicks off, he will have been six months removed from his last official National Basketball Association contest. Given the miles on his odometer, the long period away from competition figures to keep him fresher for the campaign ahead. He’s an old 34, though, so it’s fair to wonder how sharp he will stay over time.
Creditably, James appears willing to lighten his workload, going so far as to contend that the Lakers’ offense should and will go through their other first overall draft pick. “We do all know how good Anthony Davis is, and if we are not playing through Anthony Davis while he is on the floor, then there’s no sense to have him on the floor. He’s that great.” To be sure, he has said the same things before, only to be compelled to take on more responsibility in the face of unexpected developments. On the flipside, he has learned to pace himself — and not just between games, but during games.
What’s in store for the Lakers as they strive to meet their championship aspirations? It depends on a host of factors, but none more telling than James’ capacity to stall the effects of advancing age. And, in this regard, he’s in position to succeed.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
