LeBron James: Will He Skip Remaining Games as Lakers’ Playoffs Chances Dwindle?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) season 2018-19 is closing in on the playoffs, but Los Angeles Lakers chances of not moving further are becoming more clear. In this case, the organization might just aim to finish the regular season in a position that would land them better opportunities for the upcoming Draft. In this case, its key player LeBron James might have to take an early vacation, but is he on board with that plan?

After losing to the LA Clippers on Monday, 105-113, sports analysts have called it that the Lakers barely have any chance to be at the playoffs. ESPN pointed out that, with only 18 games left in the regular season, San Antonio Spurs are very much in the lead over James’ team to secure the final spot in the Western Conference.

LeBron James told reporters that it “would take a lot of convincing” from head coach Luke Walton and up to organization executives such as general manager Rob Pelinka and Lakers president Magic Johnson to make him sit out of the games. “Unless I'm hurt, I'm not sitting games,” the 15-time NBA All-Star player added. However, he also said he will not be surprised if such conversation happens in the coming days.

While James does not sound so open about leaving the season early, he seems to welcome more the idea of playing with a limited time per game. “You kind of look at the rest of the games, and look at the percentages of what's going on there in the future, and see what makes more sense for not only me but the team itself as well," he explained.

LeBron James’ transfer to the LA Lakers sparked hope for fans that the team would, at least, finally make it to the conference finals. Unfortunately, this is shaping up to be a very rare year with a James-less NBA playoffs.