Lakers make controversial decision because of LeBron James, cancel morning shootarounds

For years, the Los Angeles Lakers had to lean on LeBron James to get it done.

That's not necessarily the case anymore, but he's still one of the most important figures in the building.

That's why coach JJ Redick has had to make some adjustments to his schedule and planning.

He's chosen to cancel morning shootarounds on game days. When asked about that, he admitted that it was all about keeping the 41-year-old fresh and ready to go.

Lakers cancel morning shootarounds because of LeBron James

“We made the decision about 12 or 13 days ago that we weren’t going to do morning shootarounds anymore. Part of that thought process was simple: we have a 41-year-old who shouldn’t be on his feet twice a day,” Redick acknowledged, per Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation. “Let’s only rev the engine once. The other part was just reading our personnel. What are we actually getting out of shootaround based on who’s on our team? That’s just the reality.”

James has taken pride in beating Father Time, but the Lakers have to be realistic. He's not going to be there for much longer, so they might as well get the most out of him while they still can.

Granted, banking all their hopes on a 41-year-old being healthy might not be wise or realistic.

But if James is going to be a Laker until the end of the season at the very least, they will just have to adapt and do what's best for the four-time NBA champion.