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After A Terrible Shooting Night, Is the King Officially Washed?

LeBron James had a poor shooting performance last night.

LeBron James had his worst shooting night since 2007 on Monday night. James has gone 17 years without shooting as badly as he did on Monday, and it may be an indication that Father Time is finally catching up with him. LeBron James’ age may be a concern for the Lakers. Although the Los Angeles Lakers have started the season off 3-1, his stats are currently the worst he’s had since his rookie season. 

After A Terrible Shooting Night, Is the King Officially Washed?

LeBron James’ Stats Disappoint

Despite the Lakers’ hot start to the season, LeBron is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career (so far). James is only averaging 20 points per game on 44.6% shooting. James has only shot twice below 50% from the field since leaving the Cavaliers in 2010. His lowest field goal percentage since his rookie season is 47.2%, and that was during his sophomore campaign.

James averaging 20 points per game at the age of 39 is still incredibly impressive. The reality is that his terrible shooting night on Monday has brought down his averages greatly. Just the other night, he scored 32 points on 12-of-22 shooting on his way to the 113th triple-double of his career. 

Laker’s First Loss of the Season

Devin Booker dropped 33 points, and Kevin Durant added 30 as the Phoenix Suns surged in the fourth quarter to beat the Lakers 109-105 on Monday night. The Lakers led 83-76 entering the final quarter, but their shooting struggles proved costly down the stretch. LeBron James’ stats had a particularly tough night. He managed just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting from the field, narrowly extending his NBA-record streak of scoring at least 10 points to 1,226 games. James finished the game with zero points in the paint, which is very rare for him. 

Despite a late three-pointer by James to bring the Lakers within one at 105-104 with under two minutes remaining, the Suns held on. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 29 points and 15 rebounds, but with James struggling to find his shot, Davis didn’t have enough help to secure the win.

Can Lakers Compete As LeBron James Ages?

The Lakers are playing great. James has been solid, besides his performance on Monday. Although at his age, Lakers fans will likely get more performances like Monday’s. Although James has gotten most of the credit for the Lakers’ success, Anthony Davis has been the Lakers’ best player since joining the team. 

Davis has been phenomenal to start the season, and he is the main reason the Lakers are 3-1. He is averaging 32.8 points and 12 rebounds per game and has been an absolute menace on the defensive end. Davis has recorded at least two blocks in each game so far this season and at least one steal. He is averaging four “stocks” per game and has been the Lakers’ top rim protector. James may not be completely washed yet, but Davis will continue to be the key to the Lakers’ success. If Davis can continue playing like this, the Lakers may be able to compete in the crowded West. 

Jeremy Kruger

Jeremy Kruger

"You're not tall enough to make the NBA," they said. They were right. But now Jeremy is doing the next best thing: sharing his passion for basketball with the world through his writing.

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