While the Los Angeles Lakers locker room feels like it’s under fire, Dwyane Wade thinks LeBron James is likely just working on his backswing.
Speaking on NBA on Prime following the Lakers’ lopsided Christmas Day loss, Wade offered a revealing and lighthearted perspective on his former teammate’s mental state.
As analysts questioned James’ leadership after he skipped the post-game media session, Wade joked that the “King” was probably “on his golf simulator right now,” focusing on his swing rather than the storm of criticism surrounding the team.
While the comment drew laughs, the implications under the surface are profound. Wade’s remarks signal a significant shift in James’ psychological approach as he navigates his 23rd NBA season.
At nearly 41 years old, James appears to be intentionally distancing himself from the “day-to-day drama” that usually consumes high-profile rosters. Instead, he seems focused on longevity, personal balance, and the perspective that only comes with two decades in the league.
James’ silence speaks volumes about Redick’s claims
This “zen-like” evolution comes at a tense moment for the franchise. Head coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words after the holiday defeat, openly challenging the roster’s commitment and labeling their effort as a lack of professionalism.
Typically, such a public call-out would spark a direct response from James; however, his silence and Wade’s subsequent “golf” comments suggest a veteran who understands that a rough stretch in December is merely a manageable hurdle, not a season-defining catastrophe.
This change in James’ demeanor also reflects a changing of the guard in Los Angeles. With James taking a more balanced approach, the nightly pressure to answer for the team’s inconsistencies has shifted toward Luka Doncic.
Doncic has been vocal about the team’s struggles, acknowledging that “something must change” after a series of blowout losses.
LeBron and Redick need to find common ground
While the Lakers remain in a solid playoff position, the contrast between Redick’s urgent fire and James’ reported calm has created a fascinating new dynamic. For the Lakers to survive the winter stretch, they may need to find a middle ground between Redick’s call for professionalism and James’ veteran composure.
As Wade’s insight suggests, James has weathered enough NBA storms to know that the season isn’t won or lost in December-even if it means spending a little extra time on the simulator.
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