A Career-Worst Stretch? What’s Happening to LeBron James?

LeBron James has long been regarded as one of the most consistent and dominant players in NBA history. Known for his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor, LeBron has built a reputation as a leader who elevates his team’s performance. However, over the past six games, the 39-year-old Lakers superstar has entered an unfamiliar and concerning slump. With his scoring output, shooting efficiency, and decision-making all declining, questions are being raised: Is this just a rough patch, or is Father Time finally catching up with The King?

The Numbers Tell the Story

LeBron’s recent performances have been far from his usual standards. Over his last six games, he has averaged:

• 16.8 points
• 7.5 rebounds
• 8.7 assists
• Shooting 39.8% from the field
• Shooting 10.0% from three-point range
• A true shooting percentage of 50.8%

For context, LeBron opened the season in much better form. Through his first 15 games, he averaged 24.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, with impressive shooting splits of 51.8% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. At that time, fans marveled at how LeBron, even in his 21st NBA season, could play at such a high level.

The recent dip has been stark. In those six games:

• Against the Timberwolves: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4-of-16 shooting, 0-of-4 from three, and 6 turnovers. His -28 plus-minus was the lowest on the team.
• Against the Jazz: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 14 assists on 12-of-28 shooting, 0-of-9 from three.
• Against the Thunder: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 5-of-13 shooting, 0-of-4 from three.
• Against the Spurs: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 8-of-18 shooting, 0-of-2 from three.
• Against the Suns: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 7-of-16 shooting, 2-of-7 from three.
• Against the Nuggets: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 7-of-17 shooting, 1-of-4 from three.

LeBron has been particularly cold from deep, hitting just 3 of his last 30 three-point attempts. In his past 24 attempts, he hasn’t made a single three-pointer, a streak that included an airball against the Timberwolves.

Turnovers and Decision-Making

LeBron’s struggles aren’t limited to his shooting. His turnover rate has spiked, averaging 5.2 turnovers per game over his last 11 contests — the highest in the league during that span. His decision-making, long a hallmark of his game, has faltered. Costly turnovers and misreads have hurt the Lakers’ offensive rhythm and contributed to his uncharacteristically poor plus-minus ratings. Over the past six games, LeBron’s -15.2 average plus-minus is alarmingly low, a rare sight in his illustrious career.

Age and Fatigue

Two factors seem to be contributing to LeBron’s slump: a grueling schedule and the inevitable effects of aging.

A Demanding Schedule

The Lakers have played a punishing schedule in recent weeks. Over the past seven days, they’ve played five games, including two back-to-backs and all on the road. While younger stars might occasionally sit out games in such scenarios, LeBron has chosen to play every game.

This relentless workload may have taken its toll. For a player nearing 40, maintaining peak performance over such a dense stretch of games is a monumental challenge, especially when travel and limited recovery time are factored in.

Signs of Decline

LeBron’s decline isn’t limited to his recent shooting struggles. One of his signature skills throughout his career has been his ability to dominate through driving to the basket. However, his efficiency on drives has dipped significantly this season. He is averaging 9.9 drives per game with a field goal percentage of 52.9%, compared to 10.3 drives per game and a 59.8% success rate last season.

These signs of decline, while subtle in the early part of the season, have become more pronounced during this stretch.

Impact on the Lakers

LeBron’s slump has coincided with a noticeable shift in the Lakers’ on-court performance. For the first time in his career, LeBron’s presence on the floor has had a net-negative impact:

• With LeBron on the floor: The Lakers have an offensive rating of 108.9 and a defensive rating of 117.1, resulting in a net rating of -8.2.
• With LeBron off the floor: The Lakers boast an offensive rating of 117.0 and a defensive rating of 109.3, leading to a net rating of +7.7.

LeBron’s -111 cumulative plus-minus is the worst on the team, with -91 of that total coming in the last six games alone.

What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers?

LeBron’s struggles have sparked a debate about how the Lakers should manage their star moving forward. While his competitive spirit and desire to play every game are commendable, the team’s demanding schedule raises legitimate concerns about his workload.

Over the next six days, the Lakers have three more games, including two on the road. This will be followed by an 11-day break with no games, and then another stretch of four games in seven days. For a veteran like LeBron, prioritizing rest and recovery during these dense stretches may be the key to preserving his effectiveness over the long season.

At nearly 40 years old, LeBron James continues to defy expectations in many ways. While this recent slump has raised concerns, it’s worth remembering his track record of bouncing back from adversity. For now, though, the Lakers and their fans must grapple with the reality that even The King isn’t immune to the passage of time.