LeBron James has been accustomed to playing until mid-June these last eight seasons, but Year 1 with the Los Angeles Lakers officially ended on March 30, 2019.
With the Lakers officially eliminated from playoff contention against the Brooklyn Nets, James played three more games before the decision was ultimately made.
While the 34-year-old intended on finishing the season, head coach Luke Walton revealed the Lakers convinced him to sit out the final six games instead.
As the narratives have quickly changed around James, he is motivated in his first comments since being shut down, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
“I like being uncomfortable in the offseason,” he said.