Two games into the regular season, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is already setting himself a massive goal for the year to play all 82 games. As expected, James has thus far continued to look in fantastic shape against the Lakers’ first two opponents, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles is 2-0 out of the gate, and the milestone James is looking to achieve is one he has not reached in eight years.
Lakers Superstar Plans on Playing All 82 Games
82 Games in His 22nd Year? ‘You Never Know,’ Says James
Playing all 82 games in an NBA season is a feat The King has accomplished just once—in the 2017-18 season, his last in Cleveland before moving to Los Angeles. Before that year, he reached 81 games in 2008-09 and 80 games in 2004-05. In nine other seasons, he played between 75 and 79 games. However, he is almost 40. Is there any realistic scenario where he plays all 82 again? Whether he can or will fulfill it, he has made it his plan this year.
“Yeah. I plan on playing every game. We’ll see what happens. You never know. We’ll see what happens if I don’t,” James said when asked if he’d play in the second night of the back-to-back set.
You have to love his vision; only James would create such a goal of this magnitude. Should we be surprised if he plays in every game if he avoids major injuries? It is James, after all—he’s just different. Given where he is now in his career, it’s a bold statement. When reporters asked him about playing every game during his second stint with the Cavaliers, he responded, ‘That’s never been my plan; that’s been ya’ll narrative.’
How JJ Redick Will Navigate Playing Time for LeBron and AD
It’s unlikely that James will reach the 82-game mark this season. However, it should not be surprising if he at least exceeds last season’s mark of 71. He is still in incredible shape and health. Having the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny James, should only invigorate him further. As for just how his playing time this year will flesh out, head coach JJ Redick alluded to his plans for back-to-backs for both James and Anthony Davis.
“How do they feel when they get up Saturday morning?” Redick said before facing the Kings on Saturday after playing the Suns the night before.
Redick mentioned that those decisions would be made “in real-time.” If both players are good to go, then there’s a likely chance they’ll play. This is where the trust factor comes into play between Redick and his players, especially his stars. Davis and James looked solid in the Lakers’ first two games. Davis has already shown himself to be an ultimate force on both ends of the floor.
No one knows James’ body better than himself. Suppose he can average 30-plus minutes and 25-30 points per game and get the Lakers to the playoffs while playing every single game. That accomplishment will only be a further testament to his insurmountable greatness. Los Angeles takes on the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the season’s first back-to-back. James is playing, so he’s off to a good start.
