Sports
LeBron James’ Health in Doubt – Kendrick Perkins Weighs in on Lakers’ Playoff Chances
It isn’t just the performance of the team hanging by the thread; fans are also getting nervous that the Lakers’ playoff dreams might blow away in the wind because of what could happen to LeBron James’ health. Indeed, this former teen wonder seems to start defying age and weariness at 40.
There has long been evidence of his transition to decline but, more recently, he is visibly diminished in performance. He scored 17 points and 12 assists in the narrow 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls on March 27, but that was overshadowed by an increasing list of publics worried about his physical condition.
On paper, the stats from the loss to the Chicago Bulls may seem respectful, but LeBron had a different approach. He wasn’t shooting well, being only 8-for-20 with no baskets from downtown. Not the sort of efficiency Laker Fans have come to expect from the King. Even more shocking than his shooting was his movement on the court. LeBron, known for his explosive drives and quick transitions, didn’t seem to have either against the Bulls-he looked sluggish and labored.
Kendrick Perkins, the ESPN analyst, did not mince words while reporting about the health of LeBron. “LeBron James is not healthy,” Perkins said on “First Take” the following day. “I ain’t making excuses, but he is not right.” Perkins even claimed that his sources had confirmed him that LeBron was suffering from physical issues. Watching LeBron that night, it was hard not to agree with Perkins-he just didn’t seem like himself.
The loss to the Bulls smarted and was about more than whether the Lakers would win or lose, though. At 44-29, the Los Angeles Lakers are dangling by the fourth seed in the West but are at serious risk of dropping into the play-in tournament with a tough schedule still to come. Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back, saying, “The Lakers are in trouble. That was a game they should’ve won, and now their playoff hopes are on the line.”
Only 2.5 games separate the Lakers from the seventh seed; therefore, their error margin is very thin. The following few games are crucial, particularly their upcoming road trip that will feature matches against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. Perkins also pointed to the difficulty of the remaining schedule for the Lakers: five of their last nine games are away and include matchups against the top-seated Thunder.
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The Lakers might have to take a difficult decision with LeBron James clearly not in full health. Perkins suggested that LeBron is probably playing at around 70-75% of his normal self. The priority for the Lakers now should be getting him back in shape for the playoffs, even if that means he misses a couple of games down the stretch. It is time for the Lakers to put their efforts into recovering as they focus on the upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies following a close loss.
In the postseason, the Lakers will need LeBron back in contention if they are to even stand a chance. With the playoffs coming in closely, this recovery will mean nothing but LeBron’s being healthy will determine if the Lakers’ annuals crash with or survive through the storms.
FAQS:
What are the comments of Kendrick Perkins on the health of LeBron James?
H.O. about the comments made by Kendrick Perkins: According to him, this condition will negatively influence the results of the Los Angeles Lakers playoff chances.
LeBron James, is he currently suffering from an injury?
LeBron has recently been afflicted by nagging injuries, like that to the ankle and foot, which have posed a threat to his performance.
How would you consider LeBron James’ health in this season for the Lakers?
Such injuries have seriously truncated his playing time and explosiveness, making it very hard for a team like the Lakers to remain competitive in a deep Western Conference playoff picture.
