Lakers coach JJ Redick makes opinion clear on LeBron James playing 82 games  

Lakers coach JJ Redick made his opinion clear on LeBron James playing 82 games before the star played in his first back-to-back of the year against Sacramento on Saturday. Redick is in favor of it after LeBron said that's what his goal is. Despite entering year 22 and turning 40 on Dec. 30, the four-time MVP is prepared to suit up every night if he's not injured.

Redick 'loves' the idea and said he would figure out a way to ensure LeBron's minutes are managed accordingly to attain this goal.

"Most players go into a season wanting to play 82 games," Redick said (via Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin).

"So if that's what he wants to do, great. I love it. I would love to have him for 82. We'll manage the minutes accordingly."

LeBron James' health over the past year and a half has been much better. He's not been as injury-prone after playing 100+ games since the 2023 NBA Playoffs, including the 2023-24 regular season, 2024 playoffs, Team USA's exhibition and Olympic games, the 2024 preseason and three games of the 2024-25 season.

He has gradually slowed down, but it hasn't been a steep decline. LeBron can still flip the switch when needed, but it's not something he can do every night. As far as the Lakers are concerned, that's enough for them as the roster around him seems deep for him to pick his moments during games and the season in a vacuum.

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LeBron James shrugs off narrative on a steep decline after torching Kings in back-to-back

LeBron James had a slow start to year 22. On opening night, he managed only 16 points against the Timberwolves. Against the Suns on Friday, he tallied 21 points. The four-time MVP looked exhausted in both games and that sparked concerns about his ability to take over games.

However, it didn't take LeBron long to end that narrative momentarily. While playing on the second night of a back-to-back after logging 35 minutes on Friday, LeBron played 34 minutes against the Kings on Saturday, leading the Lakers to a win after a clutch fourth-quarter performance.

LeBron James went nuclear, scoring 16 points in just under three minutes in the final quarter on 6-of-6 shots to turn the game around. The Lakers trailed by seven points entering the final 12 minutes, but that flurry from LeBron inspired LA to a 14-point lead that played a crucial role in their win.

LeBron tallied a 32-point triple-double in the win after adding five rebounds and six assists in the fourth quarter, along with his 16 points.