LeBron’s 23rd Season: Missed Starts & LA Olympics – iDNES.cz
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LeBron James Begins 23rd NBA Season, Continues Pattern of Delayed Starts
what Happened?
lebron James has commenced his 23rd season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Los Angeles Lakers, but, consistent with a pattern spanning several years, he missed the initial game of the season. James described his tendency to start seasons late as a “big habit.” The Lakers, however, secured a win in their opening game against the Phoenix Suns, despite his absence. This marks the beginning of what could be his final season before the 2028 Los Angeles olympics,an event he has previously indicated might be his last competitive appearance.
why It Matters: Context and Implications
LeBron James’ longevity is unprecedented in NBA history. Entering his 23rd season, he remains a dominant force, but his age (38) naturally raises questions about his physical ability to endure a full 82-game season and playoff run. Missing the season opener, while not uncommon for him, fuels speculation about his workload management strategy. This strategy is likely aimed at preserving his health for the playoffs and potentially for representing Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
LeBron James’ Career: A Statistical Overview
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | Cleveland cavaliers | 79 | 20.9 | 5.5 | 5.9 |
| 2012-13 | Miami Heat | 76 | 26.8 | 8.0 | 7.3 |
| 2018-19 | Los Angeles Lakers | 55 | 27.4 | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | Los Angeles Lakers | 59 | 28.9 | 8.3 | 6.8 |
data sourced from NBA.com.
Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers
Despite James’ absence in the season opener, the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 10