LeBron James Credits Versatility for Sustained Impact After Late Start
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LOS ANGELES — LeBron James believes his ability to contribute in every phase of the game is the reason he remains productive despite missing the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
James, 41, sat out training camp, the preseason and the first month of regular-season play while recovering from offseason injuries. In Sunday’s 117-106 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers forward looked fully recovered, finishing with 26 points on 8-for-14 shooting, seven rebounds and 10 assists. He also went 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, marking his 11th straight game with at least seven attempts from the stripe.
“It was the first time I wasn’t ready for the start of the season,” James said postgame. “I missed everything and was behind the eight ball, but I appreciate getting another opportunity to get my body where it needs to be.”
The four-time MVP added that years spent refining every aspect of his skill set have made the transition back to the court smoother. “I have to be able to change how I play according to how our team wants to play,” he explained. “I don’t have any holes in my game, so I can do whatever the team needs at that moment.”
Adjusting to a New Role
Since the offseason acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ offense no longer revolves solely around James. The veteran has spent much of the year working off the ball while Dončić initiates possessions. “For the first time, the team I’m on isn’t built entirely around me,” James noted. “But when I’m healthy, adapting my game to help Luka and the Lakers win isn’t a problem.”
As injuries across the roster have mounted, James and Dončić have shouldered a heavier load. James likened their on-court chemistry to a football tandem: “He’s one of the best quarterbacks, and I’m a pretty good receiver. My job is to keep the defense from breaking it up, and he puts it right on target.”
With each game, James said he plans to focus on “just appreciating every moment,” rather than looking too far ahead. The Lakers continue a four-game homestand Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Source: Lakers Nation
