Los Angeles Lakers talisman LeBron James is itching to get back on the field after being sidelined for sometime. However Lakers coach Darvin Ha, has added that the veteran is not physically fit to feature in games but feels that with him being around courtside helps the youngsters. He can pass on his experience and give others some tips to help the team overall.
Ham knows that the regular season is about to end with only around 10 games left. So the Lakers will have to push and they really could do a lot with having LeBron around during shootarounds and during time-outs. He is someone who can inspire others and motivate them to push harder.
“There’s only 10 games left, and we’ve really gotta push through and try to make this thing happen,” Ham said. “So, just his presence at shootaround, although he’s not really able physically to participate, you know, just his presence being around and talking to the guys and, you know, giving them confidence, building them up (is) helping us out with things he sees.”
Before being sidelined, LeBron was averaging 9.5 points on 50.1% shooting, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. However it has not been that smooth sailing for the Lakers since his injury. They are currently in 10th position in the West with a record of 36-37 and are just in contention for the play-ins.
The veteran was sidelined after he suffered a foot injury against the Dallas Mavericks. Hence on Monday, NBA analyst Chris Haynes spoke about LeBron’s injury and how Darvin Ham is desperate to win as many matches as possible to let LeBron comeback and play again this season.
“I think, obviously, the goal is for LeBron to return at some point before the season concludes, but what I’m hearing is that still might be a push right there, him returning at some point. I reported a few weeks ago that … the Lakers had to try and do whatever they could to try to win as many games as possible to give LeBron James as much time to recover as possible,” Haynes discussed it in a podcast with Marc Stein.
Haynes admits that even when LeBron is back, he will need time to get to his groove and hence Ham wants to see the potential in these players. “So, that means that even when he does come back, he might not be fully healthy, but (they are) just trying to buy him some time,” Haynes added.
The Lakers want their current players to drag them to the playoffs or a play-in tournament spot. After that they will have LeBron’s pressence on the court. Hence he is not rushed to the court.
