LeBron actually took a step back and became the facilitator again.
Whether it’s because of his fear of aggravating his groin injury further or what, it’s plain to see that LeBron James stepped back as a scorer and became more of a facilitator. The Lakers championship run will be as far as AD takes them. Period. Has LeBron figured that out? Last weekend showed signs.
LeBron James had an absurd 29 assists in the two games against Dallas and Portland. This is the LeBron that raced out to the lead in assists with over 11 per game.
Over the last month or so, his average was starting to drop. In Portland, he was reminded that he has a stud on his team in Anthony Davis.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1211145983918100480
LeBron James passed Gary Payton to become the ninth player in NBA history to record career 9,000 assists with the same type of pass to Anthony Davis on Sunday night vs. the Mavericks.
He is now behind John Stockton (15,806), Jason Kidd (12,091), Steve Nash (10,335), Mark Jackson (10,334), Magic Johnson (10,141), Oscar Robertson (9,887), Chris Paul (9,381) and Isiah Thomas (9,061). LeBron probably will pass Thomas for the No. 8 spot in a few weeks. At this rate, he has a realistic shot at 10,000 assists by next season.
Plus, James has the highest assist percentage in the league towering over everyone at 51.2%. If he continues at this pace with an assist percentage of above 50% to finish the season, he’ll become the 7th player in history to accomplish the feat. The others? James Harden, Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo and John Stockton.
This is a good situation for the Lakers and LeBron. The Lakers don’t have to worry about LeBron being overworked and LeBron can add a few more years to his career by evolving his game.