Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins has warned that LeBron James’ injury could negatively impact the superstar.
This will be the first time in LeBron James’ career that he will miss the start of the NBA season due to injury.
The superstar has been suffering from sciatica and will be re-examined in November.
There’s a popular theory that LeBron James missing time is good for him and the Los Angeles Lakers, meaning he’ll be fresher in the second half of the season.
But on the heels of Rachel Nichols claiming that LeBron James’ personal All-NBA aspirations are in jeopardy, Boogie Cousins issued a similar warning.
Cousins told Run It Back TV that it might not be completely easy for LeBron James to return to a team built around Luka Doncic.
He cautioned that it could be beneficial for James to take extra time to get used to his role, and even took the extreme view that there was no guarantee he would be the team’s second option.
“This is a new form of LeBron that we’ve never seen before, so it’s important to start early. He’s not officially the team’s second option,” Cousins said.
“I think that’s something we need to work on as a group.
“Obviously, Luka is officially in charge of this engine, and I think Bron has to get used to playing that role next to Luka.
“You might think this is a negative thing.”
The player who will fill in as the second option in LeBron James’ absence is Austin Reeves, who is also in his contract year.
Cousins added: “Obviously, that could be a plus. Late in his career, you want LeBron to be as fresh as possible, but chemistry is very, very important.”
Former Los Angeles Clipper star Lou Williams warns that the Western Conference is so crowded that the Lakers need LeBron James healthy and healthy.
He said: “I’m a little worried because the Lakers can’t afford it.
“If the Lakers want to stay in this group and compete for a championship, there are a lot of obstacles they have to avoid.”
The Lakers won 50 games last season, but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.