“Success isn’t owned, it’s leased. And, the rent is due every day” Following the philosophy LeBron James once quoted, for over two decades, he has secured more success and accolades than most hoopers of the modern generation. It includes his 20x NBA All-Star honor- a streak that has remained unbroken ever since 2005. However, while Bron continues to be dominant despite being 39, his number of games has reduced over the last few seasons, barring 2023-24. If this continues, then Adam Silver’s not-so-new ruling could cause this remarkable streak to end, causing the ‘rent’ to be delayed or going to the ‘due box.’
Celtics champion, Kendrick Perkins, sent his flowers to LeBron James. He highlighted that he and the fans can expect only the best from the Lakers star whenever he is on the court, given his long running commitment to the sport. However, as Tim Bontemps later stated, the question isn’t solely about success; it is about whether the player can stay healthy enough to deliver that bout of success.

“With these new 65 game minimum requirements to be eligible to make the All-NBA team, there’s a couple of years, the past few years, when LeBron didn’t play 65 games, and therefore couldn’t have made an All-NBA team that he did in the past, because that rule didn’t exist,” Tim Bontemps said on NBA on ESPN.

“He is approaching his 40th birthday in a couple of months, and he is in his 22 NBA season, and so it is fair to assume that there’s going to be some health problems, even if he is playing at a high level. So, that’s where you have to wonder whether he’s going to be able to be out there for enough games to qualify, but if he does, certainly got to like his chances based off the way he played this summer with Team USA.”

2023-24 saw LeBron James play the most regular season games since his final Cavs year. He made a total of 71 appearances. The downfall of this stat was initially seen in 2018-19 when he played only 55 games. This was the result of a groin injury, his first major ailment after 15 years. The low point came during the 2020-21 season when Bron only appeared in 45 games. And he was only present for 56 and 55 games, respectively, over the next 2 years- a noticeable sign that age seemed to have been catching up.

The 65-game rule, which was in effect in the recent season, has been heavily defended by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. In the remarks made during the All-Star weekend, he highlighted “I can tell you that the number of games that players have participated in is up this season. And interestingly enough, injuries are actually down.” Whether the policy in itself caused LeBron James’ number of appearances to rise from 55 to 71, within a season, cannot be said for certain.

However, we do know that his All-Star streak would’ve broken if the rule had been implemented earlier, and is in a further danger of being broken as the player ages. It would also be hard to ignore that the hooper is coming off a Gold Medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a total of 147 minutes, he had the most playing time on the Team USA roster. While the stat would only work in his favor, the added fatigue from the series before the 2024-25 season would add some issues that may not be noticeable yet.

The effect of the 65-game rule was already visible during the recent season, as several veterans like Kyrie Irving, LaMelo Ball, and Joel Embiid missed out on the All-Star honor simply because of that. Therefore, ensuring that LeBron James does not meet the same fate, not only him but his new coach will also work to blur any traces of fatigue.

How will JJ Redick ensure LeBron James’ availability for the 2024-25 season?
Without the efforts of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, getting the gold medal would have been a more difficult task than it already was. However, while the whole country owes the Lakers duo for making the USA proud, LA fans would not be too happy if it comes at the cost of them being benched. JJ Redick understands as well. Therefore, alongside implementing some new offensive strategies to shut down haters who call him inexperienced, the HC wants to do his part to prevent the duo from losing its touch because of fitness.

“I mean, look, those guys (LeBron James and Anthony Davis) are professionals in every sense of the word. My concern for them about whether or not they’ll be ready to play on Oct. 22 and be in shape, I don’t have that concern. We’re gonna work with Mike and Ish, making sure that they feel that they’re in a great place to start the regular season. They’ll certainly be involved in training camp and the preseason here in September as well as preseason games.”

JJ Redick has things to prove in the upcoming season, given that it will be his first team coaching job. He has already revealed his plans to work to improve Bronny James’ on-court prowess brushing past Darvin Ham’s previous strategies. However, nothing would showcase his efforts better if the former analyst could continue to keep two of the favorite Lakers stars on the court.