LeBron James participated fully in the Los Angeles Lakers' practice on Monday, and he appears set [to make his season debut](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-james-about-return-ruin-everything-for-lakers) for this team in the near future. With that being said, the Lakers have jumped out to a 10-4 record without him so far this season, putting them at third in the Western Conference standings. The worry here is whether LeBron coming back might actually disrupt what LA has going on.
This might be the first time in James' Laker tenure where the team has looked both comfortable and sufficient operating without him. The question of how things will change once he does return to the hardwood is looming large. Everyone would like to think that LeBron will be able to fit in seamlessly, but there is a chance an adjustment period will be needed.
The Lakers have been thriving off of playing with pace this season, and moving the ball around on offense. James will reasonably [fit right into this equation](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-james-thrilling-return-exactly-what-lakers-need-to-become-unstoppable), and look to play off ball, not trying to do too much. He understands he's not in his prime anymore, and he's not going to try to take over on a bunch of possessions.
LeBron James' return could shift the Lakers' identity
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But at the same time, we know that results matter above all else. If LA ends up losing a couple of games within the first week or two of LeBron returning to the lineup, we know that the conversation is naturally going to shift toward whether he is truly elevating this group.
Perhaps one of the biggest real concerns of James' return is how it will affect the roles of younger guys who were beginning to prove themselves that much more. Austin Reaves has been performing on a different level this season, and some have expressed a concern that his emergence could shrink once LeBron returns.
When it comes to the Lakers' defense, JJ Redick has found success in employing young and switchable lineups. James isn't going to completely tank this team's defense, but there is going to have to be a careful approach so as not to lose connectability defensively.
We know that this question is not about LeBron's overall level of talent, it's just about how he fits into what LA built while he was gone. This team's identity has certainly shifted with James sitting. Seeing how the offensive and defense process shifts for better or for worse upon his return will be something to watch for.