Contrary to public criticism of LeBron James' defense, JJ Redick hails star player as Lakers' 'best' in one aspect 

Lakers coach JJ Redick hailed LeBron James for his defense after Sunday's impressive 116-110 win over the in-form Memphis Grizzlies despite public opinion, the eye test and analytics suggesting otherwise this season.

LeBron not tracking back after missed field goals has been one of the biggest reasons behind opponents hurting LA in transition, creating a numbers advantage with multiple players advancing.

But that didn't stop Redick from labeling the 39-year-old as the 'best' on the team for his attention to detail on the defensive end after an impressive shift.

"He's the best on our team with attention to detail and shifts," Redick said (via Sportskeeda's Mark Medina. "His high shift to then close, his high shift and to then get back to his man. He was great with that tonight."

LeBron James has managed a 118.2 defensive rating this season, the worst on the Lakers among all starters and rotation players with at least 20 minutes per game. His defensive win share rate has dropped to 0.5, and his defensive box +/- is -0.6, both career-lows.

The 39-year-old's age and workload have seemingly impacted his intensity. However, as Redick mentioned, LeBron was relatively better against Memphis. That set the tone for the rest of the group, too. The Lakers held the Grizzlies to 12 points fewer than their season average, a league-high 122.1

LeBron James tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, finishing the game with a 102.6 defensive rating, his best of the year.

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LeBron James gets honest about foot injury after ending over week-long hiatus

LeBron James returned to action after a week for the Lakers. He was sidelined with a foot soreness injury. LeBron was also missing time, citing personal reasons. The Lakers only had two games in that stretch, so it didn't impact the team as much. His break benefitted him and the team both as LeBron returned healthier, and the Lakers got a better version of him than the last few weeks.

He admitted that his foot issue, which began almost two years ago after an injury in a February 2023 game against the Mavericks, is still bothering him.

"It’s not behind me," LeBron said (h/t Lakers' beat writer Jovan Buha). “It’s an every day thing. … But I was able to do some great things (on my break)."

LeBron James, playing his 22nd season, carried a massive workload over the past year. He played 77 games in the 2023-24 season, including the playoffs and the NBA Cup Finals, followed by 11 outings with Team USA across exhibition and Olympic games this past summer. He played 23 consecutive games to start 2024-25.

A break like this seemed imminent for LeBron, who glaringly needed a break after the physical toll he's had to carry nearing closer to his 40th birthday.