TITLE: LeBron James Praises 10-4 Lakers, Says He Can Slot In Anywhere Upon Return
SLUG: lebron-james-praises-lakers-10-4-start-return-fit
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LOS ANGELES — LeBron James practiced without restrictions on Monday, moving closer to his season debut after missing the first 14 games with right-side sciatica. Despite being sidelined for the first time at the start of a campaign, the 20-time All-Star said he is impressed with the Los Angeles Lakers’ 10-4 record and has no concerns about fitting back into the lineup.
“I see a lot I can help with right away,” James told reporters at the team’s practice facility. “Everyone enjoys being around each other and loves playing for one another. A lot of guys are sacrificing.”
James highlighted the team’s recent five-game road swing, which ended with consecutive wins in New Orleans and Milwaukee, as evidence of that cohesion. He praised Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for “running the whole show,” credited Deandre Ayton for anchoring the defense with elite screen setting and mid-range shooting, and pointed to Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Maxi Kleber for crucial contributions.
Several reserves also drew mention. James noted Nick Smith Jr. and Bronny James for production in Portland, thanked Giannis Antetokounmpo for retrieving the ball after rookie Dalton Knecht’s first NBA basket, and acknowledged Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt for their professionalism.
The four-time NBA champion stressed that his role will be whatever head coach Darvin Ham needs. “I’m a ballplayer. I’ve never had a position,” he said, citing a “positionless basketball” philosophy dating back to youth leagues and Erik Spoelstra’s Miami teams. “Whatever this team needs me to do, I can do it when I’m back to myself.”
James did not specify a target date for his return, but the full-speed workout was his most significant step toward reclaiming a spot in the rotation.
Source: Lakers Nation
