Bill Simmons says LeBron James' brief absence earlier this season helped the Los Angeles Lakers reset their offense. Since returning, James has embraced a supportive role, letting Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves handle more on-ball duties, improving ball movement and team efficiency.
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their winning streak with a thrilling overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets, highlighted by a game-tying shot from Austin Reaves in regulation and a game-winning jumper from Luka Doncic in the final seconds of extra time.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
While much of the focus has been on the Lakers' star trio of LeBron James, Reaves, and Doncic, The Ringer's Bill Simmons offered insight into why LeBron's brief absence earlier this season may have actually helped the team.
"They had a timely LeBron injury, as weird as that sounds. He only left for a couple of games. It reset the calibration, and he came back, and it's been interesting to watch him reinvent himself as this basically third option. Can I rebound? Make some hustle plays?" Simmons said, per The Ringer on X, formerly Twitter.
The results have been noticeable. James' willingness to operate as a "glue guy" has improved ball movement, increased offensive efficiency, and allowed Reaves to flourish.
At 41, James remains a major impact player, averaging 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season.
The Lakers currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 42–25 record, riding momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.
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