Concerning struggles for LeBron James mount as ‘everything’ is off

LeBron James is in a rare funk. 

Nearing 40 years old, the Lakers star has missed each of his last 19 3-pointers and scored just ten points during a blowout loss to the Timberwolves on Monday night. 

James told reporters after the game that breaking out of the slump is just a matter of getting back into his usual flow.

“It’s everything,” James said when asked about his recent play. “It’s the rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last few, three or four games.”

James has scored fewer than 20 points in five of his last six games. 

In all six of those contests, James has shot below 45 percent from the field, which is the longest streak since his rookie season in 2004. 

Overall, James’ shooting numbers have taken a big hit this season. 

He’s scoring 22 points per game, his fewest since his rookie season, on 48.2 percent shooting, his lowest shooting percentage since his fourth NBA season in 2006-07. 

At the same time, James has seen a modest uptick in his rebounding (8.0 per game) and assist 
(9.1 per game) numbers. 

How will he break out of his shooting slump?

James’ answer was simple. 

“Work. Just work. That’s all,” he said.

Before the season, James stated his desire to play in all 82 games during the 2024-25 season. 

But now, that’s something he’s apparently non-committal to. 

“That’s a goal, but, we’ll see,” James said. 

The Lakers are in a virtual tie with the Suns for the seventh seed in the Western Conference at 12-9. 

However, their -2.9 net rating is the fourth-worst in the conference.