Okay, maybe pushing for LeBron James to come off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers was a far-fetched idea. LeBron's brand was never going to accept a Sixth Man role, but then again, LeBron has recently accepted something else: being the third option on the Lakers behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
In LeBron's three games since returning from injury, the King has embraced the third-option role, and it's no coincidence that the Lakers are 3-0 in those games.
LeBron James has embraced being a third option for the Lakers
Nothing was more symbolic of LeBron embracing his team-first mentality than when the 41-year-old vet dived full extension for a loose ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets. Some might say it was the turning point in the Lakers' entire season. It certainly was an iconic moment in LeBron's career that we'll remember forever, more than almost all of his highlight-reel dunks.
But LeBron's selfless embracing of his role isn't about one play. Over the last three games, LeBron's been more selective with his field goal attempts. LeBron's 13 shots in each of the last three games represent a slight dip from his 15.8 FGA per game this season, and an even greater drop-off from his 19.2 FGA per game in a Lakers uniform across eight seasons. But he's been efficient in all three games since coming back: 7-for-13 from the field in all three contests.
This "scaling back" offensively for LeBron has to keep happening if LA wants to contend. LeBron was an elephant in the room for the Lakers as long as he operated as a second option, and everyone knew it. Lakers head coach JJ Redick was unafraid to bluntly state this fact before Monday's game. “The best thing for our team is (LeBron) being the third-highest-used player," Redick said.
LeBron knew it, too, and he had the humility to act on it. LeBron's doing what his team needs, and the basketball world should adequately acknowledge James for his genuine efforts to play team basketball and for having a basketball IQ that recognizes how he can impact winning on this team in 2026.
LeBron's sacrifice for the Lakers shouldn't be overlooked
We've seen plenty of superstars in the twilight of their careers make the mistake of thinking they're still that guy. No one would be flabbergasted if the second-best player of all-time decided to keep asserting his ego and demand that he remain a first or second option, especially when he still has the athleticism to be dunking on people half his age (see below).
LeBron dunking on people at age 41 >>> pic.twitter.com/mJCRUmYTis
— Basketball Diaries (@pistolpetegoat) March 18, 2026
But LeBron has never been the average superstar, and he's once again proving his unique personality in the final frame of his basketball story. Heck, LeBron diving on the floor and transforming into a third star for the Lakers is just about the most likable phase of his entire career. Say what you want about earlier iterations of Bron being hard to root for -- particularly in Miami -- but this version of LeBron is impossible not to like.