Does James comeback still make sense?

After missing the first 14 games, James finally returned to the game and officially started his 23rd NBA season. Facing the Jazz in the first game, he handed over 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds. In terms of team score, the Lakers defeated their opponents by a big score at home. This is not only a comeback, but also the return of the king.

01 The road to comeback is not just as simple as "playing a few games".

At the beginning of the season, James was absent not because of ordinary strains or muscle fatigue, but because of sciatica, which was a silent pain test. The Lakers officially disclosed that his right sciatic nerve needs recovery due to irritation or compression. Friends who have been doctors should know that sciatica is not simple. It can result from disc problems in the lower back, bone spurs, or nerve compression by muscles in the buttocks (such as the piriformis). For a player who has played for 22 seasons and has a huge physical load, such neurological problems are undoubtedly a "protracted battle." James can't force himself to play, let alone use the "tying his shoelaces and stamping his feet" method in the past to support his body.

According to the famous reporter Shams, the Lakers and James are very cautious about the choice of return: they are very patient during the recovery process, and the goal is to let him return after completing a thorough evaluation. The earliest re-examination and evaluation time is scheduled for late October, and the actual comeback time is expected to be mid-November, which is the first show on November 19. This kind of rhythm shows respect for the legend and is also responsible for the future.

Fortunately, the Lakers did not completely shut down during James' absence. They relied on Doncic and Reeves to shoulder the responsibility of organization and offense, Smart brought a new defensive system and habits, and Ayton and Hayes became the pillars of two different styles inside. Therefore, during James' absence, the team's record and chemical reaction were quite good, which also provided favorable conditions for James' return: he did not need to force his return because of the team's poor record, but chose to return when his physical condition was good and follow the team's rhythm.

02 Comeback debut: The meaning behind the data

11 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds. If you only look at the data, this is the performance of an outstanding point guard such as Nash and Paul, but it is not earth-shattering for James. However, in today's Lakers, such data is far more meaningful than "pure scoring".

In this game, just like many other early seasons in the past, such as the Cavaliers and the Heat, James was not eager to score in the first few games when the team had new changes. Instead, he observed the running-in situation of his teammates during the game, continued to attack in series, and then stepped forward to score when the game required it. So we can see that in the game against the Jazz, James even scored "0" in the first and fourth quarters, which is extremely rare for James. He used the physical energy used for scoring more for offensive organization, rhythm control, and ball promotion.

This kind of tactical positioning is crucial to the Lakers. The Lakers' lineup has changed greatly in the new season. They have a genuine center, more young forward players, and a new tactical system under this change. James' role as a "commanding veteran" can just serve as a bridge. He doesn't need to play all by himself on the court, but more like serving the entire team.

In addition to the tactical bridge, James' comeback also provides psychological stability. As a team with championship ambitions, the Lakers' return of core players is like adding ballast to the ship. No matter what storms the game goes through, his presence gives his teammates a sense of security. Lao Zhan may no longer fly into the sky and escape the earth like he did when he was 38 years old (laughing, I wrote it correctly, he was 38 years old), bombing more than 30 points, but at the critical moment of the game, his existence itself is a kind of psychological pressure for the opponents and a spiritual support for the Lakers.

03 At the age of 40, apart from sciatica, what else can Lao Zhan do? (A dog’s head saves his life🐶)

The age of 40 is a challenge for any athlete. Time will take away the body's peak speed and explosive power, but it will bring experience and wisdom. Nowadays, James knows better how to control his physical fitness and how to reasonably utilize the value of his physical fitness. This return from a long illness is not to return to peak form, but to exert value in a new way: smarter, more rhythmic, and better aware of the team. This is of great significance to the Lakers:

Tactical restructuring. In the past few years, the Lakers may have been able to play around James with him as the core. But by James' 23rd season, he and the team had changed. Especially James, he no longer has to be a savior, but as a tactical core and rhythm controller. This means that the Lakers must restructure the system to allow him to form reasonable collaboration with young organizers, breakthrough players, and forward players. This tactical restructuring is not a simple return, but another evolution of James. If Redick can seize this stage and let James assume a "coach-veteran" type role, his value will be maximized.

Mental leader. James' comeback will undoubtedly have a huge impact on team morale. When young players see him coming back, they will think that "the opportunity is greater this season"; when opponents see him playing, they must also update their tactical boards against the "Zhan" Lakers. LeBron not only helps win games on the court, he is the spiritual symbol of the Lakers and the core force that unites others.

Bridge. This is the late chapter of James' career and most likely his last season. Every time he plays, he not only contributes to the current game, but also writes his basketball legacy. In the 23rd season, he is more likely to become a mentor and bridge: helping all the "young kings" in the team continue to grow. For the Lakers and young players, this is a historic opportunity, and it can also become a landmark year for "the integration of legends and new forces".

04 Challenges and uncertainties: Comeback does not mean foolproof

However, James' comeback cannot be regarded as everything will be fine, as there are still many variables in reality.

Nervous problems should not be underestimated. Fans who have been doctors know that sciatica is a problem that can come back again and again. Even if he comes back this time, James must pay attention. Nerve compression, irritation, and inflammation are all potential long-term risks. Age is a great restriction on his recovery ability. The Lakers and Redick should know the boundaries of James' body, know how to manage the load, and carefully manage his playing time and training arrangements. Any excessive play may bring about a rebound.

One game cannot represent the completion of integration. The team has found some rhythm during James' absence, and these rhythms now look pretty good, at least ranked fourth in the Western Conference. Whether this rhythm will continue stably after his return remains to be verified. Will the new season's tactics revolve entirely around him? Is he willing to take on more organizational tasks? These are all unknowns.

Whether young players, such as core scorers, breakthrough defenders, and forward shooters, can adapt to James' rhythm, style, and physical fitness will also affect the long-term direction of the team.

Psychological stress and expectation management. The comeback brings not only "we can watch Lao Zhan play", but also the expectation---a championship. Fans will expect him to "dominate the game" again, and the media will amplify his every performance. For a 40-year-old veteran, it's a double-edged sword: He'll have to prove he can still contribute while also contending with the physical and mental burden. If he fails to perform at his peak immediately, doubts may arise; if he plays frequently and is overloaded, it may affect his health.

So what’s the future? Not yet known.

But at this moment I knew that the king was back and the story was far from over.