Five games into the 2025-26 NBA season, and the Los Angeles Lakers are Austin Reaves’ team. LeBron James is yet to suit up, and Luka Doncic has been excellent, although he has only played in two games.
In terms of reliability and production, Reaves is the best player on the Lakers.
Of course, once Doncic and James return, Reaves will slot back into the third option spot. Last season, he thrived behind Doncic and James to end the season, so it stands to reason that he will continue to produce regardless of the lineups around them.
However, in the wake of his success, Reaves can take the mantle from James, who should readily accept a different job.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2024 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LeBron James Urged to Improve Defensive Effort
For six seasons in a row, from 2008-14, James made the All-Defensive Team. He hasn’t received that honor since 2014. To be quite frank, his day-to-day effort on the defensive end is questionable.
Even approaching 41 years old, James is an elite athlete, incredibly strong, and able to guard up and down the lineup. Of course, in order to save energy for offensive impact and improved stats, James’ main focus has not been on defense.
With Doncic and Reaves as elite scorers in their own right, James has been urged to take a step back on offense and give effort elsewhere.
“I think the best version of this Laker team is one in which Austin is the second-leading scorer and genuinely competes for an All-Star slot while LeBron lowers his own scoring to around 18-20 a night while focusing more of his own energy on defense,” posted CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn after Reaves’ 51-point outing.
By using James as an off-ball threat, the Lakers can thrive. If he saves his energy for the defensive end, James is still capable of being a lockdown defender against even the best players in the NBA. It’s not as glamorous as scoring 25 points a night, but it might be a necessary step for the Lakers to find success.
LeBron James Might Have an Incentive to Step Up on Defense
As long as James is in the NBA, he will be an elite scorer and facilitator. He has nothing left to prove on that side of the ball.
Even if he returns from injury by November 18th, his expected date, he will be able to play in a maximum of 68 games. That means he can only miss three games down the stretch to qualify for an All-NBA Team.
If James makes his 22nd All-NBA Team, he can count on receiving a massive salary and role in free agency next summer. If he falls short, however, none of that is a guarantee.
His best bet this season, to prolong his career, is to demonstrate that he can play a variety of roles and thrive on defense. Winning teams value high-level wing defenders. If he can thrive on defense and still be a solid scorer and do-all offensive player, then his status as an active player next year won’t be questioned.
However, he has a lot to prove, and limited time to prove it.
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