Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recently spoke on the sacrifices that he had to make in terms of playstyle after his team acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. Given that Doncic and Anthony Davis were very different in terms of position and playstyle, the stars on both teams undoubtedly had to adapt.
During an episode of “Mind the Game,” a podcast that James restarted with former NBA star Steve Nash as his co-host, he discussed the changes that Dončić’s arrival to the Lakers created for him at an individual level.
LeBron James Is Willing To Defer to Luka Dončić and Even Austin Reaves
Throughout his career, James has always been the best player on his team. Although he is still performing at a high level, one could argue that he is the second option on the Lakers, with Dončić as their focal point.
That would mean seeing the four-time NBA champion engage in off-ball actions, something that he has rarely done during his time in the league. While some fans may believe that James could feel hesitant or uncomfortable over losing his spot, he revealed the opposite to be true.
SEE MORE: LeBron James Issues Clear Message on Luka Dončić’s Role With Lakers After Losing Anthony Davis
“I will be…When I know it is for the betterment of the team or for ultimately for us to reach our rim I am able to adapt to whatever position that needs to be done and in this case understanding how great Luka is, how on the rise Austin is, I can do things that affect the game still that benefits our team and like you said being able to come up and set a pick and roll where…It’s a switch league you know.”
However, James also revealed that playing off-ball and setting picks (screens) also helps him score efficiently, “But to be able to pick and slip or pick and hit the short roll. Now, what I do best is even more unlocked. You’re giving me a pocket pass, and now I’m playing the 4 on 3 game?”
With talent such as Dončić and Reaves in the Lakers’ lineup, James has accepted adapting his game and even found a way to be productive with less ball usage. That might be a very smart strategy for the Lakers since it allows the 40-year-old to conserve more energy for the important parts of the season.
As things stand, the majority of the basketball world agrees that the Lakers have one of the best offenses in the league. If they can address and resolve their defensive issues in time, the team has a legitimate chance to win an NBA championship this season.