LeBron James’ first season in Los Angeles hasn’t gone as planned — not even close. The Lakers are coming off a demoralizing loss to the lowly Phoenix Suns and currently sit 4.5 games out of the final playoff spot.
Though there’s still time left to make a run at that No. 8 seed, ESPN’s Jay Williams suggested Monday that it was time to shut LeBron down for the remainder of the season.
Williams argued during Monday’s appearance on Get Up! that LeBron’s age and the likely scenario of missing the playoffs give LeBron nothing to play for this season. He wanted Magic Johnson to intervene and have LeBron call it a year.
Williams said:
“Magic Johnson needs to shut LeBron James down. He needs to take it away from LeBron because LeBron’s pride will want him to play. LeBron is the ultimate competitor. He will want to compete for a spot. But if you’re thinking about long-term return on investment, LeBron James, who is 34 years old, you have to be able to compartmentalize that if you’re Magic Johnson.”
Between this and Zion Williamson, the argument that fun basketball players should stop playing basketball is an odd stance to take. While Williamson could needlessly risk injury with no compensation to show for it, LeBron doesn’t have that issue. He’s making $35.6 million this season. If he’s healthy, he needs to play.
Besides, if Magic Johnson tried to shut LeBron down just because the Lakers are underperforming, the NBPA would intervene. The Lakers would also be subject to a $100,000 fine for resting a healthy LeBron in multiple road games.
This isn’t a realistic option. Basketball players should play basketball.
