LeBron James shooting slump/ Lakers offense struggles/ J.J. Redick coaching/ Anthony Davis comments/ Lakers vs Timberwolves recap/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James’ shooting slump deepened in the Lakers’ 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves, extending his 3-point drought to 0 for 19 over four games. The Lakers, under rookie coach J.J. Redick, have struggled offensively, recording their lowest point total in seven years. As James aims to play all 82 games in his age-40 season, the team faces mounting questions about its identity and offensive rhythm.
LeBron’s Slump and Lakers’ Struggles: Quick Looks
- Shooting Slump: LeBron is 0 for 19 on 3-pointers over his last four games.
- Historic Low: The Lakers’ 80-point output was their lowest since 2017.
- Team Record: At 12-9, the Lakers remain inconsistent under coach J.J. Redick.
- Anthony Davis’ Take: Davis calls for the team to establish its identity moving forward.
- Age-40 Goal: LeBron continues to aim for playing all 82 games this season.
Lakers Lost 109-80 to Timberwolves as LeBron’s Jumper Goes Cold
Deep Look
LeBron’s Shooting Woes
LeBron James is enduring one of the worst shooting stretches of his career, particularly from beyond the arc. Missing all four of his 3-point attempts against Minnesota brought his streak to 19 consecutive misses from deep over four games. His struggles extended to other areas of the court, with his mid-range jumper also off rhythm.
“Just a rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last few games,” James admitted postgame.
In Monday’s loss, James shot 4 of 16 overall and committed six turnovers, finishing with a season-low 10 points. The performance highlighted not only his personal slump but also the Lakers’ broader offensive challenges.
Offensive Struggles Under Redick
The Lakers’ adjustment to rookie head coach J.J. Redick’s system has been rocky, with the offense taking a backseat to defensive corrections.
“We’re just not good offensively right now,” James said. “We spent so much time trying to get our defense corrected that our offense took a toll.”
The 80-point performance against the Timberwolves marked the team’s lowest scoring output since a 2017 blowout loss to Dallas.
LeBron’s Workload and Age
In his age-40 season, LeBron’s stated goal of playing all 82 games remains intact, but his recent performances have raised concerns about the wisdom of such an endeavor.
“He does a remarkable job of taking care of his body,” said Redick. “I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of us and him if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and good then he should play.”
LeBron, however, remains firm in his commitment to the goal, brushing off questions about rest.
Anthony Davis on Team Inconsistency
“Sometimes we look like a team that can compete with anyone, and sometimes we look like a team that is terrible,” Davis said. “We’ve just got to figure out what team that we want to be the rest of the season.”
Next Steps for the Lakers
With a record of 12-9, the Lakers are at a critical juncture. Their ability to rediscover offensive rhythm while balancing LeBron’s workload will be key to their success. The team will need to adjust quickly to avoid further setbacks as they navigate the highly competitive Western Conference.
Key Stats
- LeBron James: 10 points, 4 of 16 shooting, 0 for 4 from 3-point range, 6 turnovers.
- Team Record: 12-9, struggling for consistency.
- Historical Context: Lakers’ lowest scoring game since a 2017 loss to Dallas (122-73).
What’s Next for the Lakers?
- Offensive Adjustments: Redick and the coaching staff must find ways to revitalize the team’s scoring efficiency.
- LeBron’s Rhythm: Rest or strategic workload management may help James regain his shooting touch.
- Team Cohesion: Establishing a consistent identity will be critical for sustained success.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.