LeBron James Says He Can Adjust His Role to Meet Lakers’ Needs
lebron-james-says-he-can-adjust-his-role-to-meet-lakers-needs
The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to four games on March 12, 2026, defeating the Chicago Bulls by 12 points at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The contest also marked the return of forward LeBron James, who had missed the previous three games.
James contributed 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Afterward, he reported no lingering physical issues. “I felt pretty good,” James said. “I’ve been taking care of my body over this last week… been able to nurse a couple of things to get ready for tonight.”
The veteran emphasized his willingness to shift roles while big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber remain sidelined. “With Jaxson and Maxi being out, two of our really good screen setters, that’s a void that I could put myself in to help the team,” James explained. “Allowing Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic to continue the things that they’ve been doing — ball handling, scoring, pick-and-roll play.”
Doncic nearly registered a 51-point triple-double, while Reaves finished with 30 points and seven assists. The Lakers have now won seven of their last eight games. “We’ve just been playing complementary basketball,” James noted, pointing to recent high-energy performances from the supporting cast, including Deandre Ayton and the injured Marcus Smart.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently addressed the club’s success during James’s absence, saying the group has found ways to stay effective but declined to suggest the team is better without its star forward.
Source: Lakers Nation
