LeBron James Reminds Critics in Lakers Back to Back

Merlin sees LeBron sending a pointed message after his first back-to-back of the season. The 41-year-old posted "No matter if you LOVE or HATE me you will REMEMBER me" after a 31-point, 10-assist, nine-rebound night vs Atlanta. Coming off a 14-game absence with sciatica, he has averaged 27.7 points, 7.8 assists and 7.7 rebounds in January, showing he can still carry heavy load when needed. Merlin notes the Lakers sit 24-14 and have lost three of four, so timing matters. LeBron says "Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD" and has an elaborate recovery routine. He can lift this team, but minutes are a ledger. The smarter path is measured usage now to protect playoff availability, not nightly heroics at all costs.