Does LeBron James need help finding his self-belief? Probably not. However, it never hurts to have one of those games that serves as a reminder of what you can do. That was JJ Redick's assessment, at the least, after the Los Angeles Lakers' latest outing.
The Lakers pulled out an impressive win on the road, taking down the Philadelphia 76ers in a nail-biting 112-108 victory on Sunday. That would not have been possible without a strong performance from LeBron that featured 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and some very timely buckets in the clutch.
With James having a big part in the win, a reporter asked Redick about the importance of having this type of game for everyone involved. The Lakers head coach had a good laugh to start off his response.
"I don't think LeBron needs confidence," Redick joked. "I do think it's important to be reminded every now and then of what you're capable of. ... For him to have the injuries and then to sort of start the season playing catch-up, ... as a player, I don't care how good you are, that's tough to figure out"
LeBron James is still pushing the pieces into place for Year 23
The idea of Father Time having finally caught up to James is one that has quietly entered the chat for many amid a slow start to the 2025-26 season. Perspective was always an important thing to include in those discussions, and Redick offered as much on Sunday.
James took over down the stretch for the Lakers, guiding the game to a victory with his scoring. It was the type of vintage performance from LeBron that even had his teammates taken aback and appreciative of the effort.
"Clutch. Clutch genes. Felt like a movie," Deandre Ayton told the media after the win.
This one can easily be chalked up as the best game of the season thus far for James. It had the bonus effect of covering up for a disappointing night from Austin Reaves on offense. That was something the Lakers guard was grateful for.
Austin Reaves: "When you have an offense that can generate a lot of points, I can play really bad. Not really bad, I'll be a little easier on myself. I didn't play great and we can still get a win" pic.twitter.com/LIxbbNpLPu
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 8, 2025
James is still trying to figure out the formula for this season. LeBron is averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, shooting 46.4 percent from the field, through his first seven games.
The closer James gets to truly hitting his stride after getting his body properly tuned up, the more impressive the all-time great should look. The same can be said of the Lakers as a whole.