LeBron James doesn't have much left to prove, if anything at all. He's one of the most decorated players in NBA history, with accolades and statistical feats to which few can even begin to compare, let alone exceed.
As James prepares for his 22nd NBA season, as well as his seventh with the Los Angeles Lakers, his goal remains the same—and he's taking a teammate under his wing during the process.
James enters the 2024-25 season as a four-time NBA champion. Even at 39 years of age, his priority is to add another title to his tally, and he's looking to elevate those around him, with a specific teammate in mind.
In an interview with Taylor Geas of NBA.com, James made it clear that he's going to hold teammate Rui Hachimura to the highest possible standard in 2024-25.
“Nothing will be different about me; I’ll always bring the same energy every single day,” James declared heading into his 22nd season a 3X gold medalist. “I’m here to lead this franchise and put this franchise in a position to be able to compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy. My presence will always be felt. As a leader of this franchise, it’s very important that every single day I show up to work, have an even-keeled mentality. And hold these guys accountable and I hope they do the same…especially Rui, I’m going to be on his a-- from day one.”
Hachimura has played alongside James since 2023, and it appears as though their mentor-and-mentee relationship could play a defining role in 2024-25.
LeBron James will "be on " from day one in 2024-25
It's far from hyperbolic to state that Hachimura will be one of the most important players on the Lakers in 2024-25. He's already been named a starter by head coach JJ Redick, and is expected to play a crucial role on both ends of the floor this coming season.
That includes a significant level of responsibility on defense, where one could argue Hachimura is the Lakers' best choice among the starters to defend an opposing team's best perimeter scorer.
Offensively, Hachimura will be asked to shoot more frequently from beyond the arc—due in no small part to his 42.2 percent shooting from distance in 2023-24. He'll also be tasked with corner crashing in an effort to help Los Angeles improve upon its ranking of No. 30 in offensive rebounds last season.
Thankfully, Hachimura flashed the potential to thrive in a larger role by averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 three-point field goals made on .575/.439/.727 shooting during his 39 starts in 2023-24.
With James taking a vested interest in Hachimura's development, one can't help but feel excited about what the 2024-25 season could entail. The early returns have been promising, as Hachimura has been aggressive on the glass, more efficient at the free-throw line, and less reluctant to shoot threes during the 2024 preseason.
Thus far, Hachimura has averaged 12.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 offensive board, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal, and 1.3 three-point field goals made in just 23.9 minutes per game.
Preseason success should be taken with a grain of salt, but Hachimura has flashed the potential to produce at a high level for several years now. He played an essential two-way role when the Lakers made their run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals and averaged 17.8 points per game when he played at least 30 minutes in 2023-24.
In 2024-25, James will hold Hachimura accountable and ask for the same in return as the Lakers attempt to prove the skeptics wrong and return to the ranks of the contenders.