LeBron James Faces Shooting Struggles as Lakers’ Offense Falters
LeBron James is currently experiencing a significant shooting slump, particularly from beyond the arc. The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a tough 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, with James failing to make any of his four 3-point attempts. This marked his 19th consecutive miss from deep over the past four games.
In a game where he shot just 4-for-16 overall and committed six turnovers, James finished with a season-low 10 points. As the Lakers reach the quarter mark of the 2024-25 season under new head coach J.J. Redick, James expressed that there’s still much to be done for the team to improve, particularly on offense.
Despite the team’s overall 12-9 record, which could be seen as a positive given the transition under a new coach, James is clearly frustrated with the offensive struggles. His points-per-game average of 22 is his lowest since his rookie year, which speaks to the challenges the team is facing in their offensive execution.
“We’re just not good offensively right now,” James stated, acknowledging the team’s recent offensive struggles. He pointed to the focus on improving their defense, which he feels has unintentionally impacted their offensive play.
James’ shooting issues are not limited to 3-pointers. His mid-range game has also been off, and he’s struggled with his overall shooting rhythm. After missing his fourth 3-point attempt in Minnesota, an airball that drew a visible reaction from the crowd, it’s clear James is working through a rough patch.
When asked about how he plans to fix it, James kept his response simple: “Work. Just work. That’s all.”
Despite his struggles, James remains committed to playing all 82 games this season, a goal he set for himself, even as his performance raises questions about whether this is the best approach for him at age 40. His birthday is on December 30, and while he has worked hard to stay in top physical condition, he may have to consider adjusting his approach to avoid further physical wear.
Coach Redick, while supporting James’ determination, expressed concern about pushing the aging star too hard: “We are measuring the players, and we can tell if a guy is running hot or whatever. He does a remarkable job of taking care of his body and getting recovery.”
For now, the Lakers’ immediate concern is their offensive struggles. The 80 points scored in the loss to the Timberwolves was their lowest since a 122-73 defeat to Dallas in 2017. Co-star Anthony Davis summed up the team’s inconsistency, noting that at times they look like a team capable of competing with anyone, while at other times, they look completely out of sync.
“We’ve just got to figure out what team that we want to be the rest of the season,” Davis said. The Lakers face a critical period ahead as they adjust to Redick’s system and work to find offensive consistency.
