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While the Los Angeles Lakers likely missed out on the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season, LeBron James would have been forced to a minute restriction and should face a scenario in which he might not play in some back-to-back situations.
Although Lakers head coach Luke Walton maintained the flexibility of the plan, James played 33.2 minutes in his last five games and did not face the Detroit Pistons for the second consecutive night.
For the 34-year-old, this is an unfamiliar territory after playing in the playoffs since the 2006-07 NBA season and reaching the NBA Finals eight times in a row.
James spoke of the challenge of seeing his workload reduced relatively healthy, via Spectrum SportsNet:
"It's a challenge for me mentally, because I'm so used to being on the floor. Especially when I'm in good health. But it was a conversation between myself, my coach, the coaching staff and the front office. This is the direction they wanted to follow the rest of the season, given the lack of success we had with our ball club. As I said, I trust the officials, and that's what it is. "
In first year with the Lakers, James and the younger kernel improved each month until his groin injury on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. Although he missed 17 consecutive games, the Lakers were racing for the playoffs but other injuries were completely derailed.
At this point in James' career, the Lakers are cautious with him considering all the minutes he has played. With the change of speech around James and the Lakers, health and the appointment of a second star player are the priorities of the off season.
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