David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Has “Father Time” finally caught up with LeBron James?
NBA fans are starting to believe so, as the 39-year-old struggled in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. James finished with just 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and six turnovers while shooting 25 percent from the field in 31 minutes.
With just ten points from James, Monday night’s performance marked his lowest total of the season for the veteran, who has otherwise been averaging 22.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game in his 22nd year.
The four-time NBA champion’s performance was certainly out of the norm, sparking concern among Lakers fans. James has scored 10 or more points in 1,505 games throughout his career. To put it into perspective, he’s played a total of 1,513 games, according to Real Sports.
The Lakers dropped to 12-9 with the loss as the Timberwolves improved to 10-10, grabbing their second straight win.
The Timberwolves took a 56-44 lead into halftime, fueled by Julius Randle, Mike Conley and Naz Reid, who combined for 29 points in the first half. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while D’Angelo Russell added 16 points. Meanwhile, James struggled, going 2-of-10 from the field.
It came down to the fourth quarter, with Minnesota entering the period with a 13-point lead. The Timberwolves dominated the paint, outscoring the Lakers 30-16 to secure a comfortable victory.
Russell, who started in place of an injured Austin Reaves, led the team in scoring with 20 points as Julius Randle led Minnesota with 18 points.
With James’ struggles and the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Timberwolves, NBA fans are starting to wonder if age is finally catching up to the vet, as he narrowly avoided just his ninth game with under ten points.
The phrase “Father Time” trended on X following James’ performance:
Bama ⭐️ @Mr
Watching Father Time catch up to LeBron in real time is one of the most depressing sports moments ever ???????? pic.twitter.com/tcvOHPgwr5
NBACentel @TheNBACentel
LeBron James tonight:
10 points
8 rebound
4 assists
14 turnovers
4 fouls
Father Time finally caught up to LeBron. ???? pic.twitter.com/5Ch7v3TuhZ
Hater Central @TheHateCentral
LeBron James in the last 4 games:
0-19 3PT
WANTS TO SHARE THE RECORD WITH KORVER…HOW UNSELFISH ???????????? pic.twitter.com/3AcZ3kulhF
Basketball Forever @bballforever_
LeBron James has missed 20 STRAIGHT THREE-POINTERS across 4 games ????
The worst stretch in his entire career! pic.twitter.com/gjhmnPKhqM
James and the Lakers will look to bounce back and prove the doubters wrong on Wednesday as they travel to Miami, his former stomping grounds, to take on the Heat.
