LeBron James Back Seems Like A Real Issue
The Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James won last night against the Chicago Bulls. James had a great night, some might call it vintage, with 36 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 1 block. Yet LeBron’s game is missing something. It is hard to put one’s finger on but watching LeBron James so far this year has created concern, something is different about his game.
Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio made note of James’ struggle in ball handling and finishing at the rim, something he has never struggled with:
"3. I’m not basing all of this on one game. LeBron struggled driving to the basket and finishing in the preseason, as well as some practices. Those are two areas in which he’s always excelled. But too often in the preseason and against the Knicks, he lost control of the ball, or had it slapped away. Bulls swingman Mike Dunleavy — never known for quick hands defensively — even stripped LeBron in an exhibition game."
Even James’ first dunk of the season, yes it wasn’t until more than halfway through the second game of the season before he dunked, there was something that seemed off about him. Take a look at when he comes down:
As he lands he seems to tighten up as if something is wrong. He runs down the court but it is very gingerly. Nothing seems wrong with his knees or ankles which lends to a possible issue with his back. A writer from Fear the Sword noted some type of concern as well when James came down:
James has failed to explode to the rim, avoided contact as much as possible and relied on fallaway jumpers far too often. Even his jumpers seem to lack much actual jumping. Even the struggle dribbling that Amico notes could be due to his back. When a back tightens up it is harder to stay low when dribbling the basketball.
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In the first two games of the season players like Mike Dunleavy, Tony Snell and Travis Wear have been able to keep James out of the lane. He hasn’t been able to control his dribble and hasn’t finished well at the rim. Not the LeBron James that we have watched play for years. Not the LeBron James that we expected after all his weight loss, a slimmer James should be more explosive.
Two explanations: his back is really hurting him or he is conserving himself.
The second makes sense. He played 42 minutes last night after 43 minutes the night before. Yet Cavs fans have to be concerned that James’ back injury could mean we are watching a far different player for the rest of his career.
If that player can put up numbers like last night and stay on the court that should be great. But if his back degenerates or James and the team cannot adjust than the team could struggle to come close to their stated goals.
What do you think about James’ back?
(Note: This writer has had lower back problems since high school. There are things about how LeBron moves on the court that I can relate to, at a much less athletic level, and that concern me. It could be nothing but watching him so far this year has created the concerns. Even some of the workouts, stretches and routines I saw live while covering some pre-season games showed signs of back issues. I hope not to alarm but wanted to share my concern.)