That is the view of Ryen Russillo , NBA analyst for The Ringer.
James scored 24 points in 40 minutes as he managed a triple-double against Memphis in the 110-105 loss.
The Lakers slipped further away from the playoff spots with the defeat.
Clutch from the corner!#LakeShow (📺: @SpectrumSN & ESPN) pic.twitter.com/h5TfOmNKyf— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 28, 2019
One of the biggest talking points from the game was when James seemed to refuse to defend Bruno Caboclo, who hit a three-pointer over him.
Fans immediately called out James for what they considered to be lazy play.
However, Russillo explained that this is nothing new for the superstar.
The analyst pointed out that James has historically rested his body during the regular season in order to preserve himself for the playoffs.
He also suggested that LeBron’s behaviour shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, because he has done it throughout his career.
LAKERS WIN!!! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/pErqu1fiP2— #TeamLebron (@LakerLaBron) February 28, 2019
“LeBron, at times, is that guy at pickup who is awesome, has a cool car, girls love him, and if you score on him he’s gonna fake an injury cos he doesn’t wanna look bad,” Russillo explained.
“There’s times where I see that.
“This is all coming to a head now, when you lose to that Memphis team.
“This is so predictable, and I remember pointing it out last year when he was at Cleveland and saying ‘he is done’, and I don’t blame him for not defending the toughest guy.
“I don’t blame him for floating and picking his spots. Look at his overall stat line, it’s incredible.
“But if you watch him – and just him – for long stretches, you’re going to surprise yourself.
LeBron James seems loose 😂 pic.twitter.com/Ne19mmEWRd— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2019
“The thing is he turned into a spotlight guy because they lost to a terrible Memphis team.
“Last year when he was doing it in Cleveland and even earlier this year with L.A., you didn’t care because they were winning enough games. Nobody pointed it out.
“So this tide has turned on LeBron as though this is some new thing, when actually he’s been doing this for two years.”