Austin Reaves Commends LeBron James for Sacrificing Offense in Lakers’ Win
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CHICAGO — LeBron James’ willingness to accept a reduced scoring role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 127-118 victory over the Chicago Bulls drew immediate praise from teammate Austin Reaves.
James returned to the lineup after missing three games with an injury and attempted just 13 shots, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. With the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer deferring, Luka Doncic erupted for 51 points and Reaves added 30, allowing the Lakers to extend the momentum they built during James’ absence.
“He’s one of the smartest guys to ever play the game,” Reaves said postgame. “When you have a player of that stature who’s willing to do whatever the game needs, it shows how selfless he is and it leads by example for everyone in this locker room.”
The Lakers played without defensive anchor Marcus Smart and reserve big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber, two of the team’s primary screen-setters. Head coach JJ Redick responded by relying on smaller lineups that required James to set picks, battle on the glass and patrol the paint — tasks he handled with little hesitation.
A Getty Images photograph taken February 3, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn captured Reaves and James high-fiving, symbolizing the chemistry the duo displayed again in Chicago. According to Reaves, James’ adaptability leaves “no room for excuses” for any other player when it comes to embracing less glamorous responsibilities.
Redick has repeatedly urged Reaves to attack more aggressively, a directive that has coincided with the guard recapturing the All-Star form he displayed early in the season. With James showing a similar readiness to adjust, the Lakers believe the formula is in place for sustained success as the season progresses.
Source: Lakers Nation
