LeBron James Must Surrender His Throne to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic in Lakers’ New Era of Basketball Dominance
The Los Angeles Lakers have ignited the current NBA season with a remarkable 6-2 start, showcasing the extraordinary talents of their guards, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic, already recognized as one of the league’s elite players, has taken his game to another level, averaging an astounding 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. His commitment to improving his physical conditioning has paid off, making him a formidable force on the court. Meanwhile, Reaves has emerged as a surprising star, contributing significantly with averages of 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game. The duo’s synergy has not only captivated fans but also raised critical questions about the future dynamics of the Lakers as they await the return of their 40-year-old megastar, LeBron James.
James has been sidelined due to sciatica, and reports indicate he will miss the team’s current five-game road trip as he focuses on rehabilitation and transitioning back to five-on-five work. His anticipated return around the third week of November is met with both excitement and apprehension, especially considering how well Doncic and Reaves have performed in his absence. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has made a bold assertion regarding James’s role upon his return, stating unequivocally that he must take a backseat to the current Lakers’ dynamic duo.
Perkins’s comments underscore a significant shift in the team’s identity, which has eluded the Lakers since their 2020 championship run. He pointed out that the franchise has struggled with establishing a consistent culture and structure in recent seasons. The emergence of Doncic and Reaves as a potent partnership has begun to solidify a new identity for the Lakers, providing a clear direction that fans have long sought. As Perkins noted, “When he gets back, he’s going to have to take a backseat to the best duo in basketball right now.”
The question that looms larger than James’s injury is how his return will impact the current roster dynamics. While LeBron remains an elite player, with last season’s averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game reflecting his enduring capability, the current Lakers team is evolving. Former NBA champion Kenny Smith raised a critical point regarding the upcoming challenge: the Lakers will have three players—James, Doncic, and Reaves—who thrive on having the ball in their hands. Smith highlighted the potential conflict this creates, noting, “What’s going to be the most interesting part is when LeBron comes back, because the two guys who’ve had the most success while he’s out, they’re very ball-dominant.”
This raises a crucial dilemma for the Lakers: can three ball-dominant players coexist on the same team without compromising their effectiveness? The implications of this situation could be profound, impacting not just the players’ individual performances but also the overall team chemistry. As Smith pointed out, “Can you have three guys on the same team be creators? It’s impossible to have that, because there’s not enough ball movement and body movement to win.”
LeBron’s career has been defined by his ability to dominate the game, from his high school days at St. Vincent-St. Mary to his numerous achievements in the NBA. He has consistently been the focal point of his teams, orchestrating plays and taking charge in crucial moments. However, the arrival of Doncic and the rise of Reaves present a new paradigm for the team. The Lakers are no longer solely LeBron’s team; they are evolving into a multifaceted unit where collaboration among multiple playmakers may be essential for success.
The Lakers’ current trajectory suggests a shift in their offensive strategy. Instead of relying heavily on LeBron’s playmaking abilities, the team may need to explore a more balanced approach that allows Doncic and Reaves to thrive. This transition requires LeBron to adapt his game, potentially redefining his role as a facilitator rather than the primary scorer. The challenge lies in whether he can embrace this change while maintaining his competitive edge and leadership presence.
Furthermore, the psychological aspect of this transition cannot be overlooked. LeBron has long been regarded as the face of the franchise, and the prospect of stepping back may require a significant adjustment for him. His leadership style has been built around being the go-to player, and now he faces the reality of sharing that spotlight with two emerging stars. The dynamics of team leadership are complex, and how LeBron navigates this situation could set the tone for the Lakers’ future.
As the Lakers continue to build their identity, the question remains whether LeBron can harmonize his approach with the emerging talents of Doncic and Reaves. The potential for conflict exists, but so does the opportunity for a new era of Lakers basketball, one that could redefine the franchise’s legacy. The team’s management and coaching staff will play a crucial role in facilitating this transition, ensuring that the strengths of each player are maximized while maintaining team cohesion.
The landscape of the NBA is ever-changing, and the Lakers find themselves at a critical juncture. As they prepare for LeBron’s eventual return, the focus will be on how they can leverage the unique talents of their players to forge a winning formula. With Doncic and Reaves leading the charge, the Lakers have the chance to establish a new identity—one that blends the old with the new while navigating the complexities of team dynamics. The stakes are high, and the coming weeks will reveal whether this new approach can lead to sustained success for the Lakers or if it will unravel under the weight of expectations.
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a blistering 6-2 start this season, thanks to the incredible play of guards Luka Doncicand Austin Reaves. While Luka’s averages of 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game are somewhat expected, given his renewed commitment to his physical conditioning, Reaves has played out of his mind, averaging 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game.
However, a huge question looms over the Purple & Gold franchise: what happens when the team’s 40-year-old megastar LeBron James returns to action? According to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, it’s clear what the King must do: take a backseat to the Lakers’ new dynamic duo.
LeBron will have to be the third option
LeBron has been dealing with Sciatica, and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he will not be with the team on their current five-game road trip as his rehabilitation progresses to five-on-five work on the basketball floor. This means that his return will likely be around the third week of November.
The more pressing concern, though, isn’t LeBron’s return to action. Instead, it will be how his presence on the floor impacts the Lakers’ play, especially given how exceptionally well Luka and Austin have performed this season. In Perk’s mind, it’s crystal clear what the King has to do.
“When he gets back, he’s going to have to take a backseat,” Perkins proclaimed. “He’s going to have to take a backseat to the best duo in basketball right now — and that’s Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.”
Perk highlighted that the Lakers are steadily cultivating a distinct identity, a characteristic that has been notably absent in recent seasons.
“When you think about the Lakers since 2020, what have they struggled with? Finding identity, culture, and structure,” he shared. “They’re showing their fan base right now that they actually have that, that they’re trending toward that direction.”
Will LeBron be willing to take a backseat?
Although King James is no spring chicken, he remains part of the NBA’s elite, especially after averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game last season. However, former NBA champion Kenny Smith argued that his return means the Lakers will now have three players who need the ball in their hands to be most effective — a conundrum that they must figure out.
“What’s going to be the most interesting part is when LeBron comes back, because the two guys who’ve had the most success while he’s out, they’re very ball-dominant,” Kenny, a two-time NBA champion, quipped. “They need the basketball to make plays. They’re playmakers, not play finishers.”
“Can you have three guys on the same team be creators?” he continued. “It’s impossible to have that, because there’s not enough ball movement and body movement to win. So, it’s going to be interesting to see what LeBron does and how he slides in.”
LeBron has been his team’s top gun his entire basketball career. From his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, to every stop he’s made in the big leagues, he has always had the ball in his hands, tasked with making plays for himself and others on every possession. Now, however, the dynamic in L.A. is changing with the arrival of Luka and the ascension of Austin. Can he adjust his game to accommodate two other playmakers on the court? More importantly, can James redefine his impact and leadership without dominating the ball as much?
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.