Rest? James not giving a minute’s thought
LeBron James expressed his disdain Monday night toward those who have the “narrative” that his minutes should be cut amid a workload that has increased during the absence of starters Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder.
James was not buying into the noise others have created about how the 36-year-old should not only play fewer minutes for the struggling Lakers, but should consider taking games off.
The touchy subject came about after the Lakers lost 127124 in overtime to the Washington Wizards at Staples Center, and the 18-year veteran played 43 minutes 15 seconds.
When he talked to the media after coming up just shy of a triple-double with 31 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, James was asked who keeps him honest about what’s best regarding his playing time.
“I’m resting now. I’m sitting here talking to you guys. I’m resting when I get in my car and head home. I’m resting when I get home. I’m gonna rest tomorrow,” James said on a videoconference. “I think this whole narrative of ‘LeBron needs more rest,’ or I should take more rest, or I should take time here, it’s become a lot bigger than what it actually is.
“I’ve never talked about it. I don’t talk about it. I don’t believe in it. We all need more rest. This is a fast turnaround from last season and we all wish we could have more rest. But I’m here to work, I’m here to punch my clock in and be available to my teammates and if I’m hurt or if I’m not feeling well, then we can look at it then. But I have nothing but honest people around me, but I’m also honest with myself as well, and me having a love for the game and me being able to be available to my teammates is more important than anything.”
That narrative that James should rest more began when the NBA announced the start of season. The Lakers won the championship Oct. 10 and started this season Dec. 22, giving them just 71 days off, making it the shortest offseason in NBA history.
The Lakers play every other day until the All-Star break starts March 4. They play at Utah, the team with the best record in the NBA, Wednesday night. Then the Lakers host Portland on Friday, Golden State on Monday, Phoenix on March 2 and play at Sacramento on March 3 before the break.
James is playing a teamhigh 35 minutes per game and in the most-valuable-player conversation again, averaging 25.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists.
“I’m not pushing myself. I wouldn’t say that. I’m going out and playing the game,” James said.
“I’m doing my job and I’m trying to do it at a high level, but that’s been a narrative around the league. I have never asked for time off or time throughout the season.
“And it’s growing to a point where it’s not even coming from me anymore. It’s just like, ‘OK, LeBron should take time off,’ or ‘Why is his workload at this [level]?’ I’ve been hearing it for five, six, seven years now and I’m still going strong. So, I don’t need a handout. I’m not looking for a handout. My job is to go out when I’m available, when I’m healthy to go out and play.”
James will be playing without Davis, who has a strained right calf, until after the break while Schroder, who is in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, could be back Friday night.
The Lakers have lost three consecutive games, four of their last five, and James is taking on more responsibility with Davis and Schroder out.
Cook to be waived
The Lakers will waive guard Quinn Cook before his contract on Wednesday becomes guaranteed for the rest of the season, according to a person with knowledge of the decision not authorized to speak publicly.
There are no immediate plans to fill Cook’s roster spot, and people with knowledge of the situation said they don’t expect the Lakers to bring back center DeMarcus Cousins after Houston waived him. The team will, however, monitor the buyout and trade markets for potential additions to their frontcourt.
Sacramento center Hassan Whiteside, who is averaging 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in 14 1⁄2 minutes per game, is a possible target the team could pursue.
Marc Gasol, who has started all 32 games for the Lakers this season, is averaging only 4.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. His shooting from three-point range has improved, as he’s made 41.2% over the last 10 games.
Cook has appeared in 16 games this season, averaging 3.9 minutes and 2.1 points. He was a member of last season’s championship team and is well-liked in the locker room and around the NBA. He won two championships with Golden State before joining the Lakers.
Following the loss to the Wizards, Cook said his goodbyes inside the locker room. It’s expected there will be interest in Cook around the league.
TONIGHT
AT UTAH When :7PST On the air: TV: Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN; Radio: 710, 1330. Update: The Lakers seek to break a three-game losing streak against a Jazz team with the best record in the NBA at 25-6. The Jazz have a 9-1 record in their last 10 games. Utah is allowing just 106.4 points per game, the third fewest in the league, and is holding opponents to 44.4% shooting, also third best. Utah is making 39.7% of its threepointers, also third best in the league.