James Worthy said LeBron James is doing something even Michael Jordan never did by embracing an off-ball role, while also calling Marcus Smart the "key ingredient" behind the Los Angeles Lakers' recent championship-caliber play.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, riding a seven-game winning streak and holding third place in the Western Conference with a 44-25 record.
James Worthy, a Lakers legend, three-time NBA champion, and Finals MVP, believes the team is finally playing the type of basketball that leads to championships.
"They're playing championship-caliber basketball right now," Worthy said after the Lakers' 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. "I don't think we've seen that in quite some years. It's been a long time since we've seen this type of basketball with the emphasis on defense. The chemistry is really good.
"Luka did his thing, but LeBron, man, it was amazing what he was able to do today and lead this team. ... It's a new LeBron. ... He's finding a new way to still dominate."
Worthy, a seven-time All-Star, pointed to a noticeable evolution in James' game.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
According to him, the four-time MVP has embraced more off-ball responsibilities while still controlling games in multiple ways.
Worthy argued that no superstar of LeBron's caliber has made such a transition so effectively.
"What amazing player, like LeBron – have we ever seen take this position [of being an off-ball complementary player]? Michael didn't take it in D.C."
Still, Worthy believes the Lakers' most important addition this season is Marcus Smart, who joined the team in the summer and has helped strengthen their defensive identity.
"I still think the key ingredient is Marcus Smart," Worthy said.
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