Wed, Dec 04, 2024 page7

• James’ jumper is off as Lakers’ offense struggles

  • AP, MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota
  • • 
    • 
    • 

  LeBron James is in quite the shooting slump — especially from long distance, highlighted by his zero-for-four effort from three-point range for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 109-80 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

  That return stretched the nearly-40-year-old’s skid to zero-for-19 from deep over his past four games. James’ birthday is on Dec. 30.

  After going four-for-16 from the floor overall with six of his team’s 20 turnovers for a season-low 10 points against the Timberwolves, James was asked to reflect on the Lakers reaching the quarter mark of their 2024-2025 schedule under rookie coach J.J. Redick at 12-9.

  

  The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James reacts during their NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Monday.

  Photo: AFP

  “I wouldn’t say I’ll take it. I would never want to say that,” James said. “It is what it is. This is our record. We’ve just got to continue to get better at both ends of the floor.”

  It is not only James who is struggling on offense. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player whose average of 22 points per game is his lowest since he was a rookie 21 years ago.

  “We’re just not good offensively right now. I think we spent so much time trying to get our defense corrected that our offense took a toll and took a back seat to that,” he said.

  

  The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, right, shoots as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, second left, of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during their NBA game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Monday.

  Photo: AFP

  James has not made a three since he tied Kyle Korver for seventh on the league’s career list (2,450) last week. His fourth attempt against the Timberwolves from behind the arc was an air ball, causing an audible gasp from the crowd at Target Center.

  The long ball is not the only shot he’s struggling with. The mid-range is on his list, too.

  “Just period, just everything,” James said. “Just a rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last few games.”

  

  The US’ Ilona Maher poses with her bronze medal at Champions Park at Trocadero at the Paris Olympics on July 31.

  Photo: AFP

  How does he fix it?

  “Work. Just work. That’s all,” James said.

  His stated goal of playing in all 82 games this season is still intact, but his recent performances have raised the question about whether such a quest would be wise.

  “We are measuring the players, and we can tell if a guy is running hot or whatever,” Redick said. “He does a remarkable job of taking care of his body and getting recovery. I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of us and him if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and good then he should play.”

  James said the 82-game achievement remains a goal for him, but he declined to discuss the possibility of resting.

  The bigger issue for now is getting the Lakers back on track offensively in this continued adjustment to Redick’s system and a new staff.

  Their 80-point output against Minnesota was the team’s lowest since a 122-73 loss against the Dallas Mavericks in 2017, according to Sportradar.

  “Sometimes we look like a team that can compete with anyone, and sometimes we look like a team that is terrible and not going to do anything this season,” teammate Anthony Davis said. “We’ve just got to figure out what team that we want to be the rest of the season.”

  Elsewhere on Monday, it was:

  ‧ Bulls 128, Nets 102

  ‧ Celtics 108, Heat 89

  ‧ Hawks 124, Pelicans 112
• Most Popular

  • 1

    China ship used Taiwan ports for months

  • 2

    Japanese ship makes first solo trip through the Strait

  • 3

    Taiwan mulls stricter citizenship rules

  • 4

    Award winner and singer-songwriter Khalil Fong passes away at age 41

  • 5

    Taiwan to keep advanced chip tech