FILE PHOTO: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8) during the second half at Staples Center on February 22, 2021. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James hushed self-preservation narratives Monday night following the Lakers’ latest overtime loss in which the Los Angeles All-Star played more than 40 minutes for the fourth time in February.
James, 36, is averaging 38.2 minutes per game this month and played 43 minutes in Monday’s 127-124 OT loss to the Washington Wizards.
“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,” James said.
“I’ve never talked about it. I don’t talk about it. I don’t believe in it. We all need more rest, s–. 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.”
Monday’s loss was L.A.’s third consecutive defeat, a season-long dive for the reigning NBA champions.
James has not missed a game this season, playing in all 32 as some other MVP-caliber performers are regularly given games off in the name of maintenance.
But the NBA offseason was just 71 days long for the Lakers and Miami Heat. Los Angeles is working without Anthony Davis as the All-Star center rests an Achilles injury for the next several weeks.
Head coach Frank Vogel said the Lakers are taking James’ availability on a “game-by-game basis” without signaling a day off might be coming.
James also shot down the idea that he’s pushing himself with Davis out.
“I’m going out and playing the game. 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,” James said.
“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?’ 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, and that’s what it’s all about.”
James is averaging 25.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game this season, his 18th year in the league.