The Los Angeles Lakers entered the season concerned about LeBron James’ happiness, especially after an offseason filled with trade rumors. His agent, however, made it clear that LeBron’s focus was simple: he wants to win another championship before he retires.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
When James prepared to return, there were concerns that his presence might hurt the Lakers more than help them.
“Where the Lakers most desperately need help is on defense, and LeBron is not going to inject the team with energy and hustle at 40 years of age. The return of LeBron James could ruin this team's hot start and see them plummeting back into the morass of the Western Conference middle class -- or worse,” Lake Show Life’s Josh Cornelissen wrote.
Since returning, James has played four games — and the Lakers haven’t lost with him in the lineup. In fact, he now finds himself in a situation he has wanted for years.
“LeBron has been trying to find an 'heir' in every single one of his teams ever since he returned to Cleveland in 2014. Back then, he was hoping to eventually pass the reins to Kyrie Irving. When LeBron first came to LA, he was hoping eventually to make Anthony Davis the face of the Lakers. Well, Kyrie Irving left, AD was traded, and LeBron is finally able to play with two players that are fully ascending into the highest peaks he's seen yet,” FanSided’s Julian Fadullon wrote. “For the first time in his career, LeBron can finally cede control to two incredible offensive generators. Why are we surprised that he's doing it so gracefully? It's what he's been wanting for years.”
James has shifted off the ball and picks his moments instead of carrying the offense every possession. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in their primes, he can conserve energy rather than constantly orchestrating the attack.
His playmaking hasn’t disappeared, but for the first time, he doesn’t need to be the team’s top scorer for the Lakers to thrive. It’s a new chapter for James — but one he has been anticipating for a long time.