LeBron James is probably the most intelligent basketball player in history, showing a track record of predicting plays before they come to fruition.
With the Los Angeles Lakers down 16 points in the second quarter of their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, James had to make another high-IQ adjustment to save the game for the Lakers.
LeBron James Swung the Game for the Lakers
Lakers head coach JJ Redick admitted that James came to him and asked to be fed in the post so he could set up his teammates out of it. It ended with the Lakers defeating the Grizzlies 120-114 and James registering a game-high 10 assists with only one turnover.
James’ ability to visualize the whole court and make plays in the post is a weapon the Lakers need to utilize consistently if they are to withstand their playoff push. His post play makes DeAndre Ayton more of a threat, with Ayton being available for that sneaky pass underneath the basket to finish at the rim.
Redick said, ‘He (Ayton) was great throughout the game, I think that was good for him to touch the basketball and feel like he’s part of the offense. It’s a tale as old as time for a big guy.’
Ayton shot two-for-four on Friday and finished with only four points and six rebounds. James admitted he used his adjustment to feed Ayton as much as he could last time out.
‘I’m always looking for DA; we’re always trying to figure out a way to get him the ball. It’s unfortunate what happened last game, and we weren’t able to find him as much as we want to, but we were able to make the adjustments.’
Ayton bounced back to score 15 points on six-for-eight shooting, eight rebounds, and three blocks. The Laker big man admitted, ‘I just try my best to do what I can to bring effort, and I trust my playmakers out there to find me.’
“Bigs can’t feed themselves. I just try my best do what I can to bring effort and I trust my playmakers out there to find me” – Deandre Ayton after scoring 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting a game after JJ Redick said Ayton was “frustrated” by limited touches pic.twitter.com/9yG8IS19ob
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 5, 2026
Under the stewardship of James’ creativity and passing ability, Ayton wasn’t the only player able to flourish in the win against Memphis. Luka Dončić scored 36 points, making 50% of his shots, while Jake LaRavia matched James with 26 points, making 56.3% of his field goal attempts.
The Lakers may have their defensive issues, but the importance of having a player with a Hall-of-Fame coach’s brain and the ability of an All-Star cannot be understated. At 41, James has given the keys of the franchise to Dončić, and he’s now worked out his role to ensure the Lakers play the best brand of offense they can.
