There is a clear understanding from LeBron James that the Los Angeles Lakers offense will run through Luka Doncic this season. In preparation of that, James is doing his due diligence in working on his off-ball game to better compliment his ball-dominant superstar running mate.
LeBron, himself, discussed the matter at Lakers Media Day when responding to a question from a reporter. The NBA's all-time leading scorer knows that putting the ball into the basket could look a lot different for him in 2025-26.
James said, " I spent a lot of time on my catch and shoot 3-pointers. ... How can I still be effective on the team where I don't have to handle the ball as much? I'll handle the ball as well, but I guess I just did a lot of everything, but I did shoot a lot more catching shoot 3s, just wanting to be ready."
LeBron pointed out all the options the team has for ball-handling duties, including Doncic, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and others. James is clearly looking to build on the shift to more off-ball action that started for him last season following the blockbuster trade.
LeBron James proving he’s willing to adapt for the Lakers' greater good
During a recent episode of The Big Number show for Yahoo Sports!, Dan Devine highlighted James' on-ball percentage from last season. The mark was still high, with the Lakers superstar registering 30.9 percent.
James ranked in the 92nd percentile. However, that number was noticeably lower than Doncic's mark in the category, which positioned him all the way up in the 97th percentile.
It should not surprise anyone to see that percentage dip even further in 2025-26 as the Lakers continue to adapt to Luka ball. The team has displayed visible willingness to buy in to the necessary roles for them to compete for a championship ahead of the new campaign. James should be no different.
At this point of his legendary career, LeBron has done just about everything that an all-time great could possibly imagine. The only real thing left is to keep boosting the championship total.
That is what Rich Paul told everyone at the beginning of the offseason would be the goal for his client, and there are signs all over the place that provide evidence of it being the case. James even appears to be softening his stance on load management at this late stage of his career.
Allowing one of the best offensive players on the planet to dictate the flow for the Lakers on that end should only bring the team closer to a title. James clearly understands that, and the willingness to fit in around that is clear for the man who will turn 41 years old in December.