LeBron James plays through nose problem; Had worst FG% since 2007 in Lakers’ 1st loss | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James didn’t look like himself in Monday’s 109-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, and he gave a reason for his off-night after the game.

James, who scored just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting in the loss, told reporters that he has been dealing with a nose problem since Friday but continues to play through it.

The nose problem must be uncomfortable for the four-time NBA MVP as James had his worst shooting performance in over a decade. His field goal percentage of 21.4 percent was his lowest in a regular season game since October 31, 2007.

Through four games, James is averaging 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 44.6 percent from the field for the 3-1 Lakers. He had shot over 50 percent from the field in each of the previous four seasons.

At 39, James was still at the top of his game during the 2023-24 campaign. He led the Lakers with 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game, while also adding 7.3 rebounds across 71 appearances.

With James leading the way, the Lakers finished with a 47-35 record last year and fell to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

James admitted to reporters in March that his legendary career is coming to an end.

“Not very long,” he said after putting up 40 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. “Not very long. I’m obviously on the other side of the hill. So I’m not going to play 21 more years; that’s for sure. But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close, so far like when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”

If James continues to be hampered by his nose problem, the Lakers will have to rely more on big star Anthony Davis to carry the burden of the offense. If James is forced to miss time, more minutes will be available in the front court for players like Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish.