The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

THE Lakers are 1-3 since the All-Star break and LeBron James seems to be all in his feelings.

Here’s what he said: “When you’ve never been there or know what it takes [to win at a high level], sometimes you’re afraid to get uncomfortable. You’ve got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Adding that he knew when he came to Los Angeles it would take some time for the team’s young players to learn.

“It’s how you approach the game every day. It’s how you think the game every day. It’s how you play the game. It’s how you prepare for the game. And that’s not even like when you get to the arena. That’s like way before that. It’s basketball, is that the most important thing why we’re doing this. Is this the most important thing in your life at this time?”

It’s hard to criticise James, especially considering his track record of advancing to the NBA Finals. Eight years in a row (nine overall) and a 3-6 record in the aforementioned NBA Finals.

However, the Lakers are struggling mightily on defence, and James hasn’t seemed interested in playing defence as of late.

According to Pete Zayas of Laker Film Room:

“LeBron rarely exerts himself beyond a casual jog in transition defence and disregards spot-up shooters in most half-court situations, leaving them wide open.”

“His defensive game these days resembles a disinterested centre rather than the high-end wing defender that he once was.”

Another NBA insider, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “LeBron has been doing that all year. He’s been [coasting on defence] for a few years now.”

As per NBA.com, in 165 of James’ 263 minutes since his return (62.7 per cent), the Lakers have a negative net rating.

The team’s current starting lineup with Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Reggie Bullock and James is giving up 116.2 points per 100 possessions over four games.

For reference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the worst defensive rating in the league at 115.9.

James is still putting up tremendous numbers - 24.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.4 assists since he returned from injury - which is outstanding.

He may not be the over-all problem holding the Lakers back - the team is flawed in many ways - but James needs to be a bigger part of the solution and it starts with him playing defence.

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