Since returning from his groin injury, LeBron James has not been performing at his usual level. His shooting has been inconsistent, and at times, he has lacked his trademark sharpness. Despite having weeks of rest and following a well-regarded recovery routine, he has struggled to regain top form. The most likely explanation is that he is still not fully fit, as he revealed a new health issue following the Lakers’ victory over the Houston Rockets.
James was highly motivated heading into the game, particularly since he was facing his long-time rival, Dillon Brooks. However, his performance was underwhelming—he scored only 16 points and attempted just 12 shots. After the game, some insight into his struggles emerged. A report noted that James was seen leaving the arena carrying a cup of hot tea, along with a ziplock bag containing cough drops, nasal spray, and cold medicine.
While his groin strain has healed, the intense travel schedule during the recent road trip appears to have taken a toll on his body. He confirmed that he is dealing with an illness, which helps explain why he has only surpassed 20 points in two games since returning from injury.
Despite his physical struggles, James still managed to deliver a crucial moment in the game. Late in the contest, he blocked an Alperen Sengun shot that could have brought the Rockets within one possession. That defensive stop proved vital, as the Rockets failed to score afterward, allowing the Lakers to secure a 104-98 victory.
However, his current condition raises concerns about his ability to maintain peak performance. Running up and down the court has clearly been more exhausting than usual, and his limited energy reserves could disrupt his recovery process. While the Lakers can celebrate their win, the bigger question is how James’ health will impact them in the long run.
Since entering his late 30s, James has had to battle injuries more frequently, but he has always managed to bounce back. However, the timing of his current setbacks is particularly troubling. The Lakers only have seven games left in the regular season, and their playoff spot is far from secure.
Based on strength-of-schedule rankings, the Lakers face one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league. Their upcoming matchups include two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as battles against the Rockets and the Golden State Warriors. With such a challenging stretch ahead, staying healthy is crucial. The Lakers currently sit just three games ahead of the seventh-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Although they have won three of their last four games, any slip-ups could significantly impact their playoff positioning.
James’ inability to play at his highest level could be a major problem for the Lakers during this difficult run. Fortunately, the team has a short break before facing the Warriors, giving him two days to rest and recover. This could be a crucial period for the veteran forward, who holds the record for most minutes played in NBA history.
Unlike previous seasons, James now has the luxury of taking a step back at times. With Luka Doncic as his teammate, the Slovenian star has taken on more responsibility, allowing James to pick his moments and preserve his energy. Additionally, Austin Reaves has consistently stepped up in critical situations for the team.
Other key players, such as Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura, can also contribute in James’ absence. However, while the Lakers have capable options, the demand on the supporting cast will be significantly higher if James is not at full strength.
As the regular season winds down, the Lakers must navigate a difficult path, balancing their playoff aspirations with James’ health concerns. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether the 40-year-old can regain his form in time for a postseason push or if the Lakers will need to rely on their depth to carry them through.