Prior to LeBron James’ 2025-26 season debut on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, there was some talk that, for the first time in his career, he would have to play more of a supporting role rather than be “the man.” That is exactly what he did for the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game of his NBA-record 23rd season.
He took just seven shot attempts and made four of them, and while he was able to keep his record of consecutive double-digit scoring games intact with 11 points, he didn’t assert himself offensively. He mostly looked to fill in the blanks, draw the defense and hit the open man, which resulted in him getting 12 assists. The Lakers scored a season-high 140 points and shot a blistering 59.5% from the field, which allowed them to win by 14 points.
James asserted that fitting in won’t be a problem for him.
“I can fit in with anybody,” he said. “I don’t even understand why that was even a question. What’s wrong with these people out here? I could fit in right away with anybody.”
For the first time in his basketball life, James isn’t the star around whom his team revolves. That role is now being played by Luka Doncic, who registered 37 points and 10 assists on Tuesday. Plenty feel that Austin Reaves, who scored 26 points versus Utah, should now be L.A.’s second option and that James should be the third option and focus more on being an all-around player while exerting more energy and effort on the defensive end.
The four-time MVP did play better defense than he had in years late last season after Doncic arrived in that tectonic February trade. The Lakers, who are 17th in defensive rating, may need James’ help on the defensive end more than in any other category right now, especially since they lack plus defenders, especially on the perimeter.
But with an 11-4 record, they haven’t exactly played poorly to start this season, especially considering they won 10 of those games without James.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James on fitting in with the Lakers
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
