For some odd reason, there is a group of people out in the NBA community who have talked themselves into the idea that the Los Angeles Lakers are better off without LeBron James. That is a ludicrous thought considering what the team stands to gain from adding back a player of his quality.
James was sixth in MVP voting last season. The Lakers superstar made the All-NBA Second Team after an impressive campaign with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.0 steal in 34.9 minutes per game, shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the arc.
However, it goes beyond just the statistical production. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have both proven capable of posting gaudy numbers in starring roles for the Lakers offense this season. With James, the conversation is about the stability that the all-time great can provide.
While LeBron has been gearing himself up for a return to the court, the Lakers have notably struggled when it comes to turnover percentage, posting one of the worst marks in the entire league. Their assist to turnover ratio has also left something to be desired. Those are both areas James can immediately elevate upon his return.
LeBron James' steady offense will calm Lakers' erratic tendencies
Throughout his career, James has posted an assist percentage of 36.5 and a turnover percentage of 13.3. LeBron has averaged 7.4 assists per game against 3.5 turnovers per game.
The latter may sound like a lot at an initial glance. However, when contextualizing how much the ball has been in his hands and what has been done with it in a positive manner by contrast, you take that figure comfortably.
Why are turnover percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio important categories? Take a guess where last year's NBA champions ranked in 2024-25. If you guessed first in both, give yourself a pat on the back.
It was not too long ago that JJ Redick was crying out for ball-handlers. James certainly fits the description, and the reliability that comes with knowing just how well LeBron reads the court is unmatched.
For anyone worried about him taking the ball out of the hands of Doncic and Reaves too much, that seems rather silly as well. James already discussed working towards improving his off-ball game. The quiet part about that is his skill set is already pretty good.
LeBron led the Lakers last season in catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage. James was also second on the team, only trailing Rui Hachimura, in the overall field goal percentage.
Adding the aging superstar back into the mix in Los Angeles will only help further add to the Lakers' early success. Anyone thinking otherwise has been greatly misinformed.