Why Missing the Playoffs Might Be Good for LeBron James

If I could use one word to summarize the Los Angeles Lakers season, I'd use the word: Yikes. After a tough loss against same town rival LA Clippers Monday night, many have called the Lakers season done, over, a disaster, among many other things.

The Lakers have been a hard watch this season, from poor defense to poor effort to bad shooting. Hard to think at one point they were thrashing the Warriors on Christmas Day and had the fourth best record in the Western Conference. All that seems years ago, as now the Lakers are preparing for the offseason. In March. With a player like LeBron James on the roster.

Believe it or not, LeBron should look at this impending offseason in a more positive light. Missing the playoffs isn't something LeBron James necessarily wanted, but maybe it's something he needed. There are some good things for LeBron if he was to miss the postseason.

Rest, Rest, and More Rest

If there is one good thing that will come out of the Lakers possibly missing the playoffs for James, it will be the abundant amount of rest time he'll get. Remember that James suffered a groin injury in that Christmas Day game against Golden State, causing him to miss 18 games (arguably the worst injury of his career). Now, I can say he wasn't 100 percent when he returned, and he probably isn't 100 percent now. At age 34, a groin injury is nothing to play with, so a complete offseason would give LeBron plenty of time to get fully healthy.

Let's not forget that LeBron might just need a break. LeBron is currently ranked sixth in minutes played, despite missing 18 games with that groin injury. In the past two seasons, he led the league in minutes. LeBron has a lot of miles logged on those legs, and even though this season has been tiring (and that's putting it nicely), a playoff break might preserve some basketball life in his body.

Not to mention, the guy has been to EIGHT straight NBA Finals. That's no easy feat. This man has been religiously playing NBA basketball from October to June for the past eight seasons. Even a one million dollar workout and body plan can't prevent that kind of wear and tear.

LeBron has looked tired these past couple weeks, and the film showing his defensive effort (or lack thereof) has only fueled those speculations. Now, I'm sure LeBron would rather be playing instead of possibly watching the playoffs from the couch, but his body needs it at this point in his career.

Bron, the GM

Another way to look at the Lakers seemingly impending playoff absence for LeBron is that this gives him a chance to put on his GM hat a little earlier. What could be a factor of the Lakers collapse could be the team's public ordeal involving Pelican forward Anthony Davis. Davis requested a trade, LA was interested, trade offers were made public, chemistry in the Lakers locker room was damaged, and the rest is history.

However, in the offseason, LeBron can work with president Magic Johnson to possibly acquire Davis. Not only that, James can help Johnson sign other players that would help the Lakers roster. They have a number of one-year deals that end after this season, so the Lakers will be looking to add new pieces.

Current head coach Luke Walton seems to be on his way out, which then again calls on Magic and LeBron to collaborate on who the next coach should be. This offseason could end up being key, because if they can get a good plan together—with the right players and the right coach—maybe the Lakers can actually be a playoff contender next season.

LeBron will surely have a say in the offseason moves LA intends to make, and with an early offseason (at least for LeBron) seeming inevitable, he will surely be in the front office with Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka, making sure his last three years in LA are better than his first.

If the Lakers and James really do miss the playoffs, it would be the first time since LeBron's second year (2004-05 season) that LeBron would not make the playoffs. It would be an odd sight for NBA and sports fans in general. However, this possible missed playoff season for LeBron could end up being good for him, as much needed rest and personnel changes will be waiting for him in the offseason. Get the wine cups ready, you'll have plenty of time to indulge, Bron.