DENVER - LeBron James, in his 21st NBA season, showcased his skills and impact on the court during the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Denver Nuggets. However, what caught the attention of many was his reduced playing time.

Despite being two months away from his 39th birthday and having dealt with previous injuries, James put up an impressive performance, leading the Lakers in scoring with 21 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting. He also contributed eight rebounds, five assists, and notably, zero turnovers. However, his playing time of 29 minutes became a topic of discussion in the post-game interviews.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham explained that this season would see James playing fewer minutes compared to previous years; a strategic decision aimed at maintaining his effectiveness throughout the season. Ham emphasized the need for mindful minute allocation and the importance of managing the length of James' playing stretches.

During his postgame press conference, James expressed his desire to be on the court and make an impact but acknowledged the system in place. It was clear that James was not surprised or upset by his playing time in the opener, having discussed the game plan with Coach Ham beforehand.

The Lakers organization has long been aware of the need to limit James' minutes to prevent overuse injuries. In previous seasons, conversations around minute restrictions had led to contentious moments between James and coaching staff, with James consistently expressing his preference to play without restrictions. Last season, he averaged 35.5 minutes per game, and the year before, 37.2 minutes per game, which were the highest averages of his Lakers tenure.

Ham emphasized that the approach to managing James' minutes would be a collaborative effort, taking into account his communication with the coaching, training, and medical staff. The Lakers recognize the importance of James' health and aim to minimize the risk of injuries that have sidelined him for 111 games during his five seasons with the team.

Despite the reduced playing time, James showcased his unstoppable force and athleticism against the Nuggets. He attacked the rim fearlessly and drew contact, though he only went to the free-throw line once. His performance impressed Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who praised James' dominance on the court.

The Lakers' depth in the 2023-24 season provides additional support for James. With players like Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, and emerging threat Austin Reaves, the team boasts a strong starting lineup. Rui Hachimura also stands out as a potential backup for James at the forward position. However, in the season opener, Davis struggled in the second half, and both Reaves and Russell had challenging shooting performances.

Moving forward, James will need to demonstrate more trust and patience in his teammates, potentially relying on them more to alleviate the pressure on his shoulders. Despite the loss, James was pleased with his individual performance, highlighting his positive impact on the court and his ability to avoid turnovers.

As the Lakers embark on their season, it is clear that James' playing time will be managed strategically to prioritize his health and longevity. With the depth of the roster, the Lakers hope to achieve success while keeping their star player fresh and effective.

Article by Joe Vardon, The Athletic