LeBron James, a prominent figure in the National Basketball Association (NBA), recently addressed questions about his playing schedule, particularly concerning back-to-back games. At 41 years old and in his 23rd season, James has been managing his playing time, a practice known as “load management,” to maintain his performance and longevity.
Following a game in New Orleans where he scored 30 points, along with eight rebounds and eight assists, James was asked if he would play the next night in San Antonio. His response indicated uncertainty about his participation in future back-to-back games.
“I’m 41 years old. Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD,” James stated, using the abbreviation “TBD” which means “to be determined”. He further emphasized his extensive career, noting he has played the most minutes in NBA history.
Load management has become a common strategy for extending players’ careers. James’ approach seems to be contributing to his continued presence on the court. This season, he is averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. While his rebounds per game might be a career low, and his points the second-lowest, it’s worth noting that James is the only player to have ever played for 23 seasons in the NBA.
Despite his age, James has been performing well lately. Since turning 41, he has averaged 26.0 points per game, including two recent games with 31 and 30 points respectively. This scoring record is notable considering that other players in NBA history have averaged only 5.3 points per game after turning 41.
Earlier in the season, James missed some games due to sciatica. After returning, he initially had a slower start, averaging 14.0 points per game. However, in the 12 games since then, his average has increased to 25.6 points per game.
Whether James will participate in the upcoming game remains uncertain, as indicated by his “TBD” statement. His decision will likely depend on how he feels physically and the Lakers’ overall strategy for managing his workload throughout the season.
