Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drive the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2). Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

LeBron James still a transcendent talent, but Lakers must protect him

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Nov 11, 2024 3:30 PM ET

LeBron James secured the 115th triple-double of his career as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 123-103, on Sunday. The veteran forward stepped into a leading role after Anthony Davis was forced out of the game due to an eye injury.

James, 39, continues to defy the aging process. He's among the league leaders in pick-and-roll points per possession as the ball-handler, scoring 1.15 points per 100 possessions.

When speaking to the media following his 19-point, 10-rebound, 16-assist performance, James stated that he doesn't "have a choice" but to step up for his team if Davis isn't on the floor.

"I don't have a choice if AD goes down," James said. "I've gotta put some more responsibility on my shoulders. And try to make some plays to help my team win ... If I've seen one defense, I've seen them all. Just trying to be patient."

.@LakersReporter spoke with LeBron James following his 115th career triple-double. pic.twitter.com/mqOcdDhHEb
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 11, 2024

James has been exceptional for the Lakers this season. He's averaging 23.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists while shooting 51.5% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range.

Nevertheless, the Lakers shouldn't be so heavily reliant on an aging superstar. It doesn't matter how dominant James is. Los Angeles is putting too much pressure on his aging body. JJ Redick needs James healthy for the postseason; asking him to lead the line for a random game in November is risky business.

Eventually, time will catch up to James. He can't defy the aging process forever. The additional wear and tear on his body from games like this could become a factor later in the year.

Yes, James is putting up historic numbers for a player of his age. And yes, he remains on of the top-15 talents in the world. But if the Lakers can't find a way to protect him, even when Davis is off the floor, they could find themselves in trouble later in the year. James must be protected now so that he can dominate later.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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