Draymond Green makes feelings known about LeBron James' 'Father Time' struggles
Amid LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James' production drop-off, many have asserted that Father Time is catching up to the soon-to-be 40-year-old. However, according to Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green, the media should stop overreacting, as James is likely suffering from fatigue.
Following his All-Star-caliber start to the season, James struggled mightily offensively over his last six games entering Wednesday. The four-time MVP averaged 16.8 points, shooting 39.8% and 10.0% from 3-point range. That includes him going 0-for-19 from deep over his last four appearances.
James' decline brought about numerous discussions about his time as a high-level player being over. Meanwhile, some have begun writing off the Lakers (12-9), who have lost five of their last seven games.
On Tuesday's episode of "The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis," Green weighed in on James' diminishing output. The four-time NBA champion noted that while James looks older, his decline isn't as drastic as many are making it out to be.
Instead, Green pointed to the 20-time All-Star's extensive workload possibly taking a toll on him.
"Is Father Time catching up to him? Absolutely, because Father Time catches up to everyone," Green said.
"However, where I disagree here is people are saying, 'We just saw it, he's done now. We've been waiting on it. Now he's done.' No, no, no. I disagree with that. And the reason I disagree with that is because, quite frankly, what it looks like to me right now is he's a little tired."
Green cited LA's 2024 playoff push and James' participation with Team USA during this past summer's Paris Olympics as potential reasons for his fatigue.
"They played into the playoffs last year. They fought an uphill battle to actually make it there and get to the playoffs, and then he comes in and he does the Olympics. No time off," Green said. "I think Bron has just hit a little bit of a wall right now.
"The way people are trying to throw it out there like, 'Father Time has caught him, and it's here in our face, and we're just about to watch this decline happen.' No chance."
Through 21 outings, LeBron James is averaging 35.0 minutes per game and has yet to miss a contest. However, per Lakers coach JJ Redick, it may not be in James' or the team's "best interest" for him to play a full 82-game season.
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LeBron James vows to put in work to end shooting slump
As for LeBron James' thoughts on his offensive slump, he noted Monday that he was frustrated with "everything" about his game.
"It's the rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last three or four games," James said.
However, he added that he would put in the work to improve his shooting efficiency.
"Work. Just work. That's all," James said.
LA (12-9) faces the Miami Heat (9-10) on the road on Wednesday, marking James' next chance to get back on track.
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