The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, 129-110, thanks in large part to LeBron James. James led all scorers with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes of action as LA pulled away in the fourth quarter. On the second night of a back-to-back, James appears to have a slim chance of sitting out the Lakers’ game against the Miami Heat tomorrow.
Speaking with reporters after the game, LeBron James remarked that he would make his decision as to whether or not he would play depending on how his body feels in a few hours time. Kyle Goon reported that James said, “I’ll know when I get up tomorrow.”
Los Angeles will need all hands on deck to save their season with their dismal 14–20 record thus far, especially without Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, James, who has tallied the second most minutes in NBA history, regular season and playoffs combined, has, perhaps, earned the right to prioritize his physical well-being at the cost of his team’s chances of winning.
LeBron James has only participated in one back-to-back game this season, on November 25 and 26 against the San Antonio Spurs. Thus, it seems plausible that James, who is 37, will sit out, especially when you consider how far along in his career. (James’ birthday, which is in a few days, is 38.)
It’s not like the Lakers are playing a Heat team that is fully healthy. Two of Miami’s top players, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, are rated as questionable. However, if James is unable to play tomorrow night, Russell Westbrook will likely step up and fill in for him in terms of playmaking and scoring.
