Sick, LeBron James had a short game against the Heat and the Lakers had to lose this Wednesday (96-110). Visibly unhappy with the media treatment reserved for the quadruple MVP, Erik Spoelstra made a statement before the meeting which was enough to frighten the league.

After suffering a crushing defeat against the Pelicans recently, the Lakers needed to revive themselves by obtaining a victory against the Heat. To their great dismay, the Californians conceded their ninth defeat in the last 13 meetings against the Heat (96-110). In fact, the 2020 champions were somewhat penalized, given that LeBron James was uncertain before the match.

Physically diminished, the King was still present on the field. But he had one of the worst evenings of his season since he finished with only 12 points on 33% shooting, even if his 9 assists and 6 rebounds have the merit of having somehow embellished his production. That said, this level of play that he demonstrates at the age of 39 still commands respect, as Erik Spoelstra recalled.

LeBron not recognized at his true value according to Erik Spoelstra

I don’t think we talk enough about all the work he does behind the scenes. Most people don’t see it, so they assume he doesn’t do all these things. They assume he is the best athlete in the sport, which he has been for many years. But he has managed to maintain this level because of all these things he does.

There will be a day when he continues to dominate even without his physical assets, because he can dominate with his size and brains. But it is very far from being there. He can still dominate physically.
From 2011 to 2014, LBJ wore this same Heat jersey and then played under the orders of the Miami coach. The latter is therefore well placed to talk about what the quadruple MVP brings to a team.

However, he complains of a lack of consideration for what LeBron is currently demonstrating and his consistency for more than 21 years now. Running at 25 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game, the Lakers superstar is trying as best he can to keep the boat afloat in Los Angeles, because the franchise is only tenth in the West with a negative record of 17 victories and 18 defeats.

Furthermore, Darvin Ham, who had announced that the Chosen One would be subject to a minutes restriction, found little choice but to go back on his word. The former Cavs player is actually one of the 10 players to play the most minutes on average (34.3 per game), which is all the more impressive when we take into account the fact that he is the oldest basketball player of the league.

Despite the defeat of the Lakers and a timid performance from an ill LeBron James, we must remember that he will always be as dominant thanks to his playing intelligence. This is the message that Heat coach Erik Spoelstra wanted to deliver, he who formerly trained the King.