LeBron James’ Return and the Lakers’ New Chapter
While the Los Angeles Lakers were on a ten-day tour of the country, Deandre Ayton was getting used to a new post-game ritual. After each game, Ayton would check his phone in the locker room, finding messages of support and encouragement from LeBron James in the team’s chat group.Now, James’ influence will be much more direct. After missing the preseason and the first 14 games due to sciatica problems, James returned to the court to play with the team. In his absence, the Lakers achieved a 10-4 record, with Ayton playing a key role. The former number 1 draft pick averages 16.2 points with 69.2% effectiveness and 8.4 rebounds. James’ return raises several questions: Will he maintain his All-NBA level and seek his fifth championship? Or is sciatica a sign that his 40-year-old body won’t withstand the demands of the schedule? Will he empower Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, or will he hinder their growth? The arrival of Ayton, with a two-year contract and $16.2 million, has generated mixed opinions. An Eastern Conference executive predicts that Ayton will benefit from the spaces generated by James, Doncic, and Reaves. On the other hand, a Western Conference executive expresses doubts about Ayton’s game intelligence and consistency. With James’ return, several crucial aspects are raised for the Lakers, including the impact on Doncic and Reaves, the adjustment of roles, and James’ own adaptation.“He just supports us and knows he’s watching us,” Ayton said. “Even in defeat, he sends his wisdom and encouragement. You have to love him.”
Deandre Ayton
The Impact on Doncic and Reaves
Coach Doc Rivers, known for his team-oriented approach, highlights the importance of the existing chemistry between Doncic and Reaves. “It’s difficult because Luka and Reaves have good chemistry now and have gotten used to doing it a certain way, and then you bring in another guy who needs the ball and dominates the ball,” Rivers commented. Reaves, who rejected an $89 million contract extension, could aim for a maximum contract. His current averages, including career highs in points (28.3), assists (8.2), and rebounds (5.1), could decrease. The key will be how Reaves and Doncic integrate again with James. After James’ first training session, Reaves praised his return: “In my opinion, he’s the best player who has ever touched a basketball. His presence, his ability to lift a team and, obviously, his intelligence [will help us]… It’s good to have him back.” James, for his part, praised the couple: “I love the ball movement, the dominance between Luka and AR, who somehow run the whole show.” An aspect to monitor will be the number of free throws that Doncic and Reaves get, who lead the league in attempts. Adapting to a less demanding game, with easier three-point opportunities, could be beneficial for maintaining the health of both players. In the game against Utah, Doncic (37 points) and Reaves (26 points) maintained their numbers, with James acting as a passer. James had his shortest possession time on record, with 2.46 seconds, boosting the Lakers’ offense. “He sees things that other people can’t,” Doncic said after the game. “So he’s here to help us all.”Is LeBron what the Lakers need now?
Despite a good start to the season, the Lakers find themselves in a middle ground in offense (16th) and defense (17th). Incorporating James, with his intelligence and experience, could be key to improving the team’s performance. “He’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met in terms of basketball IQ,” commented a league executive. James brings size and strength to the team, offering coach JJ Redick new tactical options. In addition, his ability to shoot from the outside, an aspect that the Lakers have missed, could be an important factor. James leads the franchise in three-pointers made and averages 37.6% from the three-point line.The Adaptation of Role-Playing Players
If Doncic and Reaves’ shots decrease to accommodate James, the other players will also see their opportunities reduced. The key will be how the role players accept this situation and focus on the team’s success. James’ reputation as a winner, with four championships and ten Finals appearances, sets certain expectations for his teammates. LaRavia, who has never played in the playoffs, will now have important roles. In the game against Utah, LaRavia scored 16 points, while Ayton added 20.“I was telling him a fun fact,” Ayton said after the game. “When he threw me an alley-oop. I told him, ‘That’s my second alley-oop from you. The first one was when I was in eighth grade at your camp.”
Deandre Ayton
