From the very beginning of the NBA season last year you could tell that there was a sense of frustration constantly brewing with LeBron James.
Now, thanks to Netflix’s “Starting 5” series giving us a glimpse into the season of five NBA stars, we know exactly where that frustration for James was coming from.
In a clip from the new series, James can be heard vehemently declaring his frustration with Darvin Ham’s minutes restriction as soon as the season started. He complained to the Lakers’ assistant coaches about the decision to keep him limit the time he spent on the floor.
WARNING: There is some NSFW language in this clip
Starting 5 on Netflix showing LeBron against the Nuggets season opener being annoyed at minutes restriction
"I know you got me on old man time percentages and sh*t. Play eight minutes and sh*t.
2 shots in 8 minutes just getting cardio. I hate this sh*t already, just garbage" pic.twitter.com/6uHemQybel
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) October 9, 2024
“I know you got me on [expletive] old man time percentages and [expletive],” James said. “Played eight minutes and [expletive]. Two shots in eight minutes. Just getting cardio. I hate this [expletive] already. This [expletive]’s garbage.”
Well, alright then, Bron.
Ham and the Lakers’ coaching staff decided to restrict James’ minutes to start the year to try to preserve his body for the long season ahead. Ultimately, it didn’t last. James averaged 35.3 minutes last season, just a tick behind the 35.5 minutes he averaged the year before under Ham. Eventually, James got what he wanted.
But this gives us an interesting glimpse into the Lakers’ year last season and, potentially, another reason why the Lakers decided to move on from Ham.