Alarming stat LeBron James must correct if Lakers hope to contend in 2024-25 https://t.co/9WotmyPkHy
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) December 18, 2024
James has produced an otherworldly collection of averages—whether he’s 39 or not. Through 24 appearances, he’s averaging 22.8 points, 9.1 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 three-point field goals made on an efficient slash line of .492/.365/.743.
James is on pace to join Luka Doncic as the only players in NBA history to average at least 22.0 points, 9.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 threes per game in multiple seasons.
For as impressive as that may be, James’ struggles on defense have all but neutralized his offensive value. It’s perhaps a reach to question his effort, but the results of what he’s put forth have thus far been wildly disappointing.
That all begins with the alarming statistic that the Lakers are allowing 11.3 fewer points per 100 possessions when James isn’t on the court.
Lakers allowing 11.3 fewer points when LeBron James is on the bench
Thus far in 2024-25, the Lakers are allowing 117.5 points per 100 possessions when James is on the floor. That’s, far and away, the worst mark of any player on the roster who has spent at least 65 minutes on the court this season.
When James is off the court, the Lakers are allowing 106.2 points per 100 possessions—easily the lowest tally for any player who has spent at least 65 minutes on the court this season.
The 11.3-point difference is reason enough to sound the alarms and question what the best path forward is. The more concerning element of the numbers, however, is the fact that the Lakers are at their worst on defense when James is present and at their best when he isn’t.
Way too many TO’s for LBJ and he should be a wing shooter even though he’s the best passer on the team.