The story surrounding LeBron James in the second half of the season has been his willingness to take a step back. He became the Los Angeles Lakers’ third scoring option — a brand new role for him in Year 23 — behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, resulting in the team’s best stretch of the season.
But injuries to Doncic and Reaves have thrust James back into the primary scoring role. And he’s picked up right where he left off, averaging 28.0 points, 12.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds in three games as the leading figure with the Lakers going 2-1 in those contests. James wishes they could have won all three, but is clearly ready for the challenge presented to him.
“Sounds pretty cool. Sounds pretty good,” James said. “I would [have] loved to get that 3-0 nod though. But just trying to make plays. I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past, but obviously it wasn’t what it was this year. But circumstances have put me back in, and I’m just trying to feed off my teammates, teammates feeding off of me and just trying to make things happen for us to stay afloat.”
Obviously scoring and initiating the offense is his most important task, but James focused on the mental side when asked what he feels L.A. needs from him moving into the playoffs.
“I don’t know, just stay even keel,” he said. “I think at the end of the day, you don’t wanna get too high, never get too low. Obviously, the postseason is gonna bring so much more, even more intensified moments. So just staying even keel, using my knowledge of the game, the way I approach the game the way I lead the game. Guys [are] gonna lean on me and [at] times I lean on them too. It’s a collective group effort both on and off the court.”
It’s unclear how far this Lakers team can get with James leading the way. However, he has shown that going back to a first option won’t be a difficult transition. And depending on their first round matchup, perhaps James can do what he’s done many times before and carry a roster to a series victory.
LeBron James willing to do everything to help Lakers
The Lakers star was asked what he’s going to do to help the Lakers get through a stretch without Doncic or Reaves, and his answer was clear and succinct.
“Everything,” James responded to Allie Clifton on Amazon Prime. “Nothing changes for me, it’s just back to the old ways. I gotta give them my leadership both on the floor and off the floor. I gotta lead in all facets on the court, both ends. That’s what the job requires, so I look forward to it and let’s see what we can get done.”
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