The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t exact revenge for their Western Conference Finals defeat on Opening Night, falling short against the Denver Nuggets. While the Lakers put up a competitive performance, it was evident that they still have some ground to cover to reach the Nuggets’ level.

 

There was a mix of both exceptional and subpar basketball from the Lakers during the game. Notably, LeBron James stood out as the most impressive player for the Lakers, showcasing his remarkable form as he began his 21st season in the league.

 

Despite LeBron’s stellar performance, he didn’t spend as much time on the court as expected. LeBron played for only 29 out of the 48 minutes, a decision made by Darvin Ham, which had a significant impact on the game. The Lakers posted a +7 point differential when LeBron was on the court but a -19 when he was off it.

When questioned about LeBron’s playing time, Ham emphasized the team’s intention to manage LeBron’s minutes cautiously throughout the regular season. According to Ham, this strategy is what Lakers fans can anticipate for LeBron this season.

 

In theory, this approach seems reasonable to maintain LeBron’s freshness. However, it doesn’t align with LeBron’s personal preference. He expressed to reporters after the game that he wished to spend more time on the court but acknowledged the existing system he must adhere to.

 

Merely one game into the 2023-24 season, a public disagreement has already emerged between Darvin Ham and LeBron James. While it’s too early to draw conclusions, it’s crucial that this discord doesn’t become a recurring issue throughout the season.

LeBron clarified that he wasn’t surprised or upset about his playing time, as he was aware of the plan in advance. Nonetheless, he did disagree with the decision and desired more playing time.