All-Star Los Angeles Lakers superstar combo forward LeBron James has had a fairly modest start to his 2024-25 season — modest for LeBron James, anyway.
Through his first four games for the 3-1 Lakers, the 20-time All-NBA honoree is averaging a still-good 20.0 points on .446/.391/.684 shooting splits, 7.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks a night. That scoring average would be his lowest ever, which on the one hand shouldn’t be a total surprise, given that the 39-year-old is playing in his record-tying 22nd pro season.
On the other hand, it appears that James has an actual excuse for his somewhat middling scoring output so far: he’s sick.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that James has been dealing with a mystery illness since Friday, noting that his symptoms include “sniffling” and sound “nasally.”
LeBron James, who was sniffling and nasally postgame in his media availability, said he’s been dealing with those symptoms since Friday.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 29, 2024
James himself subsequently confirmed the illness to reporters following Los Angeles’ first defeat of the year, a last-second loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.
LeBron said he’s been dealing with an illness since Friday.
“You can hear it in my voice. I’ve been better.”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) October 29, 2024
“You can hear it in my voice,” James acknowledged. “I’ve been better.”
The Lakers have gotten off to their best season start since 2011-12, when James was winning MVP awards and championships on the Miami Heat. This year’s L.A. squad won its first three contests, and after dropping a game to a star-studded Phoenix Suns club has fallen to a still-solid 3-1 on the year.
John McCoy/Getty Images
It’s clear that Los Angeles is not quite done building out its roster, however, and hopes to make some marginal moves around the fringes of its roster to compete in a crowded Western Conference. To wit, the team is apparently circling Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler as a potential backup big to accent All-NBA Second Teamer Anthony Davis.
Read more: Lakers Reportedly Showing Trade Interest in Star Western Conference Center
James’ influence in the Lakers’ personnel moves this summer has come into clear focus over the summer. First, Los Angeles hired the four-time champ’s “Mind The Game” podcast co-host, longtime NBA sharpshooter-turned-podcaster JJ Redick, to replace Darvin Ham as its nice head coach.
Next, the club selected James’ eldest son, 20-year-old former one-and-done USC Trojans reserve point guard Bronny, with the No. 55 pick in June’s 2024 NBA Draft. Bronny is an intriguing, if raw, young prospect. He has played for all of 2:41 thus far this season, suiting up for L.A.’s season opener, a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, alongside his dad.
Read more: Lakers Stars LeBron and Bronny James Make NBA History
LeBron was also inked to a lucrative two-year, $101.4 million new contract. He has a player option for next season. Should he pick it up, he will set the all-time record for NBA seasons played, with 23. In playing this year, James has now tied Hall of Fame swingman Vince Carter’s prior solo record of 22 pro seasons played.
Once the elder James gets over this current illness, it seems likely he’ll boost his scoring output and return right around his career average of 27.1 points on .506/.348/.736 shooting splits, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists a night.
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