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Two weeks ago the LA Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention. This marks the first time in 14 years that LeBron has not made it to the post season.
This will be LeBron’s longest offseason since 2005. pic.twitter.com/a9cM8LDVga
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 30, 2019
Over the weekend the Lakers announced that their superstar forward would be shut down for the remaining seven games of the season to give him time to heal from injuries.
Lakers are sitting out LeBron James for the rest of the season, team says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 30, 2019
Lakers statement: “After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season. This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 30, 2019
LeBron spoke with The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and told him he’s motivated to use the extra time off to train and get ready for next season.
Via The Athletic
I like being uncomfortable in the offseason,” James said. “I like being counted out. It motivates me.
“I’ve had basically the same offseason training regimen the last eight years,” LeBron added. “I knew how long I wanted to rest for the season on a short timeline. I’m figuring out now how to get as much as I can out of two months of extra time for training. It requires a totally different strategy. We’re looking at it in an entirely new way.”
Since LeBron will be training and filming Space Jam 2 this summer he will not be playing for Team USA in the FIBA tournament but may opt to play in the Olympics in 2020.
LeBron's not playing for Team USA this summer, and never intended to, even after he learned he was out of the playoffs. But the 2020 Olympics are still on the table https://t.co/rCy6QdISVE
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) April 1, 2019