Veteran forward LeBron James did not pull any punches while addressing his critics after his triumphant season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. James found it ludicrous that some analysts worried that his return to the team would affect the chemistry, especially on offense.
“I said at yesterday’s practice, I can fit in with anybody,” James told reporters.
“I don’t even understand why that was even a question. What’s wrong with these people out here? I can fit right away with anybody.”
James, who missed the first 14 games with sciatica, said he visualized himself playing alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton and Co., and was thrilled about the possibilities. His intuitions rang true on Tuesday,
LeBron James Makes Instant Impact
“Just watching the guys through the first 14 games, I was putting myself in positions on how I could help the team, and how I could be successful to help those guys.
“I’m still able to gain a lot of eyes when I drive with the ball, or have the ball, and big fella down there [Deandre Ayton], Gabe [Vincent], Jake [LaRaVia] — we were able to control the second unit and get the lead up there.”
To James’ point, he spent considerable time with the second unit of Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart, as Lakers head coach staggered his minutes to ensure that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could shine with the starters.
James’ debut definitely did not hamper the production of Doncic or Reaves, who combined for 63 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, excelling as backcourt stars.
Many Questioned LeBron’s Fit
James was likely not out of line to call out his critics on Tuesday.
One of his former rivals, Paul Pierce, made the outrageous claim that the Lakers would be better served bringing James off the bench.
âWhen LeBron comes back, LeBron got to come off the bench,â he said on “KG Certified” podcast. âThe way you wanted to work, he got to come off the bench.â
âInstead of you being out there with Luka, you take Luka out of the game, and now you run what Luka was doing,â Pierce added.
Another former Eastern Conference foe, Jeff Teague, worried that James’ return would ruin not just the Lakers’ offensive chemistry but their defensive schemes.
âRight now, theyâve got these young dudes playing defense and Bron be like, where he had these moments, âI ainât playing no defense.â If he ainât getting rock or something, Bron will give you attitude or something,â Teague said on his podcast.
âGoing forward, Iâm seeing that AR [Austin Reaves] and Luka [Doncic] is the dynamic duo, so itâs time like not force Bron out, but brother do something good for the franchise.â
LeBron James finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds as the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz, 140-126, to improve to 11-4. They will face the Jazz in a rematch on Sunday night, this time at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
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