LeBron’s jumper is off and the Lakers are struggling on offense

• Get NBA League Pass TODAY >

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — LeBron James is in a major shooting slump – especially from long range.

James missed all four of his 3-point attempts for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 109-80 loss at Minnesota on Monday night, extending his skid to 0-for-19 from deep over the past four games.

After going 4-for-16 from the floor overall with six of his team’s 20 turnovers for a season-low 10 points against the Timberwolves, James was asked to reflect on the Lakers reaching the quarter mark of their 2024-25 schedule under the rookie coach . JJ Redick at 12-9.

“I wouldn’t say I’ll take it. I would never say that,” James said. “It is what it is. This is our record. We just have to continue to get better on both ends of the floor.”

Especially offensively, and it’s not just James, the four-time NBA MVP, whose average of 22 points per game game is his lowest since he was a rookie 21 years ago.

“We’re just not good offensively right now. I think we spent so much time trying to get our defense right that our offense took a toll and took a backseat to it,” he said.

James hasn’t made a 3-pointer since tying Kyle Korver for seventh on the league’s career list (2,450) last week. His fourth attempt against the Timberwolves from behind the arc was an aerial ball that caused an audible gasp from the Target Center crowd.

The long ball is not the only shot he struggles with. The middle class is also on his list.

“Just period, just everything,” James said. “Just a rhythm. I just feel out of rhythm the last few games.”

How does he fix it?

“Work. Just work. That’s all,” James said.

His stated goal of playing in all 82 games this season remains intact, but his recent performances have raised the question of whether such a quest would be wise.

“We gauge the players and we can see if a guy is running hot or whatever,” Redick said. “He’s doing a remarkable job of taking care of his body and recovering. I don’t know if it’s in our best interest and his best interest if he does that, but if he’s fit and well then he should play. “

James said the 82-game feat remains a goal for him in his 40-year-old season – his birthday is Dec. 30 – but he declined to discuss the possibility of rest.

The much bigger issue for now is getting the Lakers back on track offensively in this continued adjustment to Redick’s system and a new staff. Their 80-point output in Minnesota was the team’s lowest since a 122-73 loss at Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.

“Sometimes we look like a team that can compete with anybody and sometimes we look like a team that’s terrible and not going to do anything this season,” teammate Anthony Davis said. “We just have to figure out what team we want to be for the rest of the season.”