Through LeBron James’ 23-year and counting career, he has had to deal with a never-ending barrage of criticism. Most recently, it stemmed from a perceived notion that James’ presence made Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves worse, a discourse that has since run out of steam considering the Lakers’ form before the recent injuries.
Now, James has addressed that argument, revealing that it did take some communication from him to get the stars around him going during his recent appearance on Mind the Game.
“I just think it’s as simple as not being an idiot. I’m not an idiot. I’m not an idiot, like I understand, first of all, I’m well aware of my game and what I can do for a basketball team. I’ve never had a position. So I know I have the ability to be put in any position that can fit a team to win. Even if it’s taking away some of the things I’ve always done,” he said.
LeBron claimed that watching the Lakers find success without him initially got him thinking. He then advised the likes of Doncic and Reaves to stop catering to him and instead focus on their natural game.
“I’m sitting back and I’m like, AR and Luka look like they’re just playing free. They look like when LeBron is not playing they don’t have to like feel like they have to cater to me and make me feel a part of it or have to get me the ball and it throws them out of rhythm,” he claimed.
The Lakers have gone 17-7 since the All-Star break, registering a 14-2 record in March. That also came alongside Doncic’s best-ever month in the NBA when it comes to offensive production.
“I went to both of them and I said, ‘Listen, don’t worry about me on the floor. Whatever the f—k mindset you were all in when I was not playing, just stay there,’” James said.
Of course, the injuries to both Reaves and Doncic mean that the Lakers will once again look up to LeBron to lead them at the start of the postseason. Whether the campaign eventually translates to a realistic title charge however, may depend on how healthy the players around him can stay,
