The Lakers’ determination to restrict LeBron James’ minutes at first of the season didn’t final lengthy, and now we all know why.
In keeping with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, James “bristled on the concept of limiting his minutes”.
His taking part in time was beneath the highlight when he logged simply 29 minutes within the Lakers’ season-opening loss to the Denver Nuggets.
James’ time on the bench that night time included some essential fourth-quarter minutes. The Lakers have been outscored 7-0 throughout one fourth-quarter stretch when James was on the bench, as a four-point Denver lead grew to 11 and the sport began to slide away.
After the sport, Ham was requested whether or not he would stick with the minutes restriction.
“We’ll see. In all probability, sure,” Ham mentioned. “It’s straightforward with him to get caught up within the emotion of the sport and also you are inclined to overlook you wish to play these lengthy stretches, however to ensure that him to be as efficient as doable, we’ve to be conscious of the minute output and the way lengthy his stretches are.”
Within the Lakers’ subsequent sport, James performed 35 minutes, together with the entire fourth quarter in a 100-95 win over the Phoenix Suns. It was clear James had bought his manner, and it hadn’t taken lengthy in any respect.
After the sport, James mentioned taking part in the additional minutes was an “straightforward” name to make.
Ham has since been fired by the Lakers. He was relieved of his duties simply 4 days after the Lakers have been eradicated by the Nuggets within the first spherical of the playoffs.
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