Entering the 2023-24 season, Darvin Ham, then head coach of the Lakers, was determined to limit LeBron James’ playing time to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
LeBron’s Frustration with Minutes Restriction
Ham believed this strategy was smart after seeing players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura step up during the 2023 Western Conference Finals. However, LeBron wasn’t thrilled about having his minutes cut. In a Netflix documentary called “Starting 5,” LeBron is shown angrily confronting Ham and his team for taking him out of a game when he felt he was just getting into his groove.
LeBron’s Reaction on Social Media
LeBron expressed his frustration on social media: “Two shots in 8 minutes just getting cardio. I hate this [expletive] already, just garbage.” He clearly wasn’t happy with how things were going early in the season.
LeBron hated being on a minutes restriction early last season
โ2 shots in 8 minutes just getting cardio. I hate this sh*t already, just garbage.โ ๐ฌ
(๐ฅ @netflix / h/t @big_business_ )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Conflicts and Compromises
In discussions with Ham’s staff, LeBron made it clear that he understood why they wanted to limit his minutes but wished they’d listen to him more. “I get it [minutes restriction], but also understand me,” he said. The game where this all happened was on opening night against the Nuggets, where LeBron played only 29 minutes and the Lakers lost 119-107.
Fans often wonder if coaches should listen more to players who know their own bodies best.
Despite losing that game, Ham insisted on keeping LeBron’s playtime around 30 minutes per game. But by the second game against the Suns, LeBron played longerโ35 minutesโand kept averaging over 35 minutes throughout the season. It seems like LeBron got what he wanted in the end!
The Future Under New Leadership
Now with JJ Redick as head coach, it’ll be interesting to see if there are similar challenges between him and LeBron or if they’ll find a better balance together.
