The moment most of the NBA community can’t fathom might be settling in. LeBron James, a man who is the epitome of consistency is beginning to show signs of rust. Over the last four games, in particular, he hasn’t made a single three-pointer in 19 attempts. James’ efficiency isn’t the same either. Still, the Akron Hammer shows resilience backed by his disciplined preparation. His goal is to play 82 games. But can it continue at the level of intensity he playing at currently?

After a 10-point performance against the Timberwolves, his lowest tally since January, the question is genuinely looming. In this disastrous stretch, 39-year-old James is averaging the most minutes for the Lakers. Likewise, the physical wear and tear seems too much. And The Odd Couple crew feels it’s time for change.

“The demise has to happen. It becomes how do you utilize him during said demise right. It’s going to happen and it is happening. His legs are going out. Him shooting, missing all these threes is a sign that the touch is gone,” said Kelvin Washington.

Even prior to his 22nd season, longevity like LeBron James was unheard of. Only Vince Carter lasted 22 seasons and the Hall of Famer played just 14.6 minutes per game. The King can still be effective. But it’s starting to look like it can’t be in the vintage ways where he could control games for the entire night. More than anyone notifying him, Washington feels a look inside is necessary.

“There’s the other part that I think is the hardest part for players… how does LeBron have a real conversation with himself,” he said. Rob Parker even feels his impact is waning. And while staying active is necessary, he can’t retain a high usage role like in previous years. “Teams have realized one of the ways we can beat the Lakers is go go go,” Washined opined.

Parker feels “nobody has beaten father time,” and that LeBron James has reached that pedestal. Still, he has proven adapting to different roles and staying effective is something achievable. However, thus far, it looks like there is a need for a talk. But can JJ Redick do it?

JJ Redick is the key to harnessing LeBron James in the right way

The Odd Couple discussed the possibility of a credible coach asking James to make adjustments or take a step back. They felt if Ty Lue was at the helm, that would be a conversation that he could have with the 20-time All-Star. “He has some cache whereas JJ Redick really doesn’t and some of these other coaches to really approach LeBron and be able to have that frank or real conversation.” Parker professed.

However, Redick is fearless. His intentions for success supersede any priority, even if that means adjusting James’ role. After tonight’s game, the first-year head coach openly questioned the King’s ability to play 82 games. Moreover, he has also been stern with the soon-to-be 40-year-old forward when needed.

And on the other side is acceptance.

When Redick took over as the head coach, LeBron James was open to being flexible. According to Lakers reporter Jovan Buha “LeBron James said he’s willing to adapt his game to whatever head coach JJ Redick wants this season, whether that’s playing off the ball more or shooting more 3sLeBron James said he’s willing to adapt his game to whatever head coach JJ Redick wants this season, whether that’s playing off the ball more or shooting more 3s,”.

Currently, it seems his playing off the ball, at least until his slump comes to an end could be an alternative strategy. The Lakers did that a lot early in the season. But since D’Angelo Russell’s move to the bench, adaptions forced James to become the primary ball handler once again. Once Reaves returns, he can take that responsibility off his shoulders.

Even with ‘father time’ posing a barrier, it’s only been months since James won the MVP at the Paris Olympics. He is very capable of playing at a high level. But sustaining himself is vital at this stage of his career. In the current way, the Lakers are performing better with him off the floor according to NBA Stats. Knowing his capabilities, there’s probably a need to change his role rather than cut his minutes significantly.

Do you think it will be done? Let us know your views in the comments below.