Lakers guard gets real on the internal impact of LeBron James
Even in his 21st season, LeBron James is the gear that keeps this Lakers team moving. On the court, he’s carrying his team in almost every way, and, off the court, he’s finding new ways to instill confidence in his guys. Speaking after the team’s latest win, Lakers guard Austin Reaves explained the supernatural impact of LeBron and how his mere presence makes everything easier.
“With [LeBron] being so willing to play the game the right way, it just bleeds confidence into everybody,” said Reaves, who finished Friday’s game with 15 points off the bench.
The Lakers are now 4-5 this season after the win against Phoenix, but they still have an uphill climb to get to a place where they want to be. With LeBron playing some of the best basketball of his career right now, the Lakers should be thriving in this young NBA season but that just hasn’t been the case so far. Thanks to injuries, poor chemistry, and guys like Reaves struggling to get it going, the Lakers have performed well below expectations to start this season. Because of LeBron, however, they still have a chance of turning this around and making a serious run in the Western Conference.
LeBron James Empowers His Teammates
As good as LeBron is at putting the ball through the net, one of the best aspects of his game is his ability to make those around him better. Throughout his career, during stints with the Cavaliers and Heat, James has always been a team-first player who would rather get all of his teammates involved in a win over dropping 50 points in a loss. As one of the game’s most elite passers and floor generals, James’ ability to set up his teammates is unmatched in the game today and he’s continuing that trend on the Lakers this season.
Famously, LeBron even defers to his teammates in the clutch. While some critics would rather he go up for the shot himself, LeBron has always preferred to make the “right” play by trusting his teammates and passing it out to the open man. In the last game, Cam Reddish was the hero for the team after LeBron trusted him to take late-game shots in the final quarter and it serves as the ultimate proof of the confidence that King James instills in each of his fellow Lakers players.
Lakers Are In For A Long Season
Besides the hot stat from LeBron, it’s really been a frustrating season for Lakers fans. After making the West Finals last spring, the expectation was that this squad would be in the title race this year but the jury is still out on how they stack up with the rest of the West. Thanks to LeBron James, they still have a chance to make some noise but they will not get far if Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves are not at their best.
The key for the Lakers will be finding a balance with their guys and empowering them to find their place within the offense. Fortunately, Lebron can unite people like nobody else and he’s sure to have these guys on the same page before too long.