Regardless of not having famous person LeBron James to begin the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are plugging alongside effectively due to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Reaves particularly has stepped up in a significant means, even dropping a career-high 51 factors towards the Sacramento Kings whereas the Lakers had been short-handed.
They had been lacking each LeBron and Doncic however nonetheless ended up with a win due to Reaves. That sport highlights a possible path ahead for the Lakers, who’ve championship aspirations, however provided that LeBron is wholesome.
Nevertheless, in response to CBS’s Sam Quinn, as soon as absolutely wholesome, LeBron ought to shift into a brand new position, not as a co-star to Doncic however as a 3rd possibility behind each Doncic and Reaves.
I feel the very best model of this Laker workforce is one by which Austin is the second-leading scorer and genuinely competes for an All-Star slot whereas LeBron lowers his personal scoring to round 18-20 an evening whereas focusing extra of his personal power on protection. https://t.co/zEkp7heTO1
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) October 27, 2025
You actually cannot overstate the significance of Austin Reaves breaking out like this. He is proving that he is extra than simply bait for the following star. He will be Luka’s long-term working mate, they usually can construct this workforce across the two of them.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) October 30, 2025
That will likely be fairly the change for each LeBron and the Lakers since he has been the very best participant on their workforce for many of his seven years in Los Angeles. To Quinn’s level, nevertheless, Reaves is having a stellar season so far, together with having simply hit the sport winner towards the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This week is reaching Linsanity ranges for Austin Reaves. Let the Reavesvolution proceed.
He hits the sport winner on the buzzer to carry L.A. to 116-115 victory in MIN.
28 pts and 16 ast on the night time. pic.twitter.com/tkvXMb5xyP
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 30, 2025
The Lakers should construct round Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
Contemplating that LeBron seems to have points with the Lakers’ entrance workplace, he will not be too happy in regards to the considered being a 3rd possibility for the primary time in his profession. However, he’s 40 years outdated.
This yr additionally might be LeBron’s last season within the NBA, or not less than his last season with the Lakers. That’s the reason Los Angeles ought to take Quinn’s recommendation by pulling the set off on making Reaves their second possibility behind Doncic, which might be his long-term position with Los Angeles.
In spite of everything, assuming they’re able to re-sign him, he and Doncic may kind a stellar offensive backcourt for years to come back. Getting a leap begin on that by focusing extra on these two and fewer on LeBron is smart.
For one, having LeBron play a lesser position may maintain him wholesome for what might be an extended postseason run. Another excuse is that the Lakers will nonetheless want LeBron in the event that they wish to win a championship, however they most likely should not depend on him each sport. As an alternative, if he can flip it on each different sport and several other occasions throughout a playoff run, then he may maybe be extra impactful.
All advised, the Lakers should take into account reorienting their offense round Doncic and Reeves with LeBron taking a again seat upon his return. It may not sit effectively with him, however this can be his final season with the workforce and provides them their finest likelihood to win.
