LeBron James plays with nose problem; Had worst FG percentage since 2007 in Lakers first loss | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James didn't look like himself in Monday's 109-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, and he offered a reason for his misstep after the game.

James, who scored just 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting in the loss, told reporters that he has been dealing with a nose problem since Friday but is continuing to play through it.

The nose problem must be uncomfortable for the four-time NBA MVP as James had his worst shooting performance in over a decade. His field goal percentage of 21.4 percent was the lowest in a regular season game since October 31, 2007.

In four games, James averaged 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 44.6 percent from the field for the 3-1 Lakers. He had made over 50 percent of his field shots in each of the previous four seasons.

At 39 years old, James was still at his best heading into the 2023-24 season. He led the Lakers with 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while also grabbing 7.3 rebounds in 71 appearances.

Under James' leadership, the Lakers finished last year with a 47-35 record and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

James admitted to reporters in March that his legendary career was coming to an end.

“Not very long,” he said after scoring 40 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. “Not very long. I'm on the other side of the hill, of course. So I won't be playing for another 21 years; that's for damn sure. But not for very long. I don't know what or when. “The door will be closed until I retire, but I don't have much time left.”

If James continues to be hampered by his nose problem, the Lakers will have to rely more on star big man Anthony Davis to carry the load on offense. If James is forced to miss time, players like Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish will have more minutes available up front.