LeBron James is still waiting to get the green light to return for the LA Lakers, but what kind of mindset will he bring into the new NBA season?
Sciatica has forced LeBron to miss the start of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season, keeping him out of action as his teammates take on a tough early schedule.
The timeline for his recovery points towards a mid-November comeback, meaning LA will be without one of their best players for at least a month into the season.
But even with him out, LeBron might already have an answer about how he should approach this next campaign. The Lakers are 7-2, holding the second-best record in the league so far.
During his absence, some worried about whether he was fully invested in this team. His body language at games raised questions. But that does not seem to match what is really going on behind the scenes.
LeBron James close with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, believes LA Lakers can win a championship
LeBron has not signed an extension with the Lakers yet, but according to Lakers Daily, there is no tension behind the scenes. Reports of his unhappiness appear to be coming from other teams interested in signing him.
Even without an extension in place, the 40-year-old remains close to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The trio believes the team has a real shot at the title this year thanks to several key additions over the offseason.
“A source told Lakers Daily that James has never thought about requesting a trade from the Lakers… Noise about the leading scorer in NBA history being disgruntled with the Purple and Gold has come from teams trying to get him.
“Lakers Daily reported in September that James didn’t ask the Lakers for an extension this offseason because he doesn’t know if he’s going to play next season.”
“James, 40, turns 41 in December. He’s the oldest active player in the NBA and has been in the league since 2003.
“It sounds pretty obvious, but James wants to finish his career with his son Bronny, which is why a trade request has never been brought up, the source said.
“James has close relationships with Doncic and Reaves, the source said. The three players believe the Lakers have what it takes to win it all this season, the source said, after Rob Pelinka signed Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia this offseason.”
LeBron James needs to adapt his role when he returns to the LA Lakers
During LeBron’s time out, the Lakers have managed to win consistently even without him on the court.
Austin Reaves has stepped up in his absence, putting up All-Star numbers and often taking on the role of primary scorer for LA.
There are some questions about how Reaves will fit back in once ‘King James’ returns, especially regarding how much he will handle the ball.
Actually, this scenario could be ideal for the No. 23, given that he has expressed a desire for his teammates to take on greater responsibility for years.
James is now playing as a third option for LA. His return should give the team even more flexibility on both ends of the court. He can still have a significant impact without having to do it all himself, and his experience adds another dimension to what has already been a strong start for the Lakers.
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