As LeBron James opens his 21st NBA season, he is entering a new and perhaps final stage. This latest chapter will likely see the four-time MVP playing under minutes restrictions.
The 21st season of LeBron James' storied NBA career tipped off on Tuesday night. James has logged a significant amount of minutes on the basketball court over the years, but during the season opener against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the four-time NBA champion was limited to 29 minutes of action. Second-year Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham said that James' workload on Tuesday was indicative of the team's plan.
The Nuggets held a program championship ring ceremony and appeared to be energized early on in the game. Denver jumped out to 18-point lead and went on to win 119-107. Despite the minutes restriction, James finished the night with a team high of 21 points. Listen, I mean, I always want to be on the floor. Especially when you got an opportunity to win a game, or you feel like you can make an impact,' James said after the game. 'But this is the system in place, and I'm going to follow it.' James also expressed confidence about his ability to impact the game for however long he is on the basketball court.
Eight-time All-Star Anthony Davis finished the game with 17 points, but he struggled to score in the second half. Davis said the Nuggets changed their defensive approach in the second half. 'They started double-teaming,' Davis explained. 'They were trying to crowd the paint. I missed some easy layups around the rim and little jumpers. Just trying to make the right play, give it up to our guys. If I'm doubled, kick it out. Rui had an open 3, Gabe had open 3s.
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