LeBron James has set a standard for longevity that may never be met. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has not only played a record 23 seasons, but spent the better part of the first 22 operating as the first option for each of the teams he played on.
Year 23 has thus presented a challenge unlike any the four-time NBA champion has encountered before, as James must now figure out how he fits on a team on which he's effectively a third option.
Los Angeles changed its hierarchy when it traded for Luka Doncic during the 2024-25 season. Many instantly agreed that it was Doncic rather than James who'd be the franchise player, with age and their respective projections for retirement factoring into the distinction. Austin Reaves emerging as the new No. 2, however, has created a dynamic no one saw coming.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke about the challenges James is facing as he goes from playing 20-plus seasons as a No. 1 to a de facto No. 3.
“He’s been a high-usage player and the No. 1 option his whole career, and I know he wants to win,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “And he wants to do everything possible to help this team win, even if it looks a little bit differently."
Redick continued, seemingly stating that James understands that Doncic and Reaves are the Lakers' top offensive priorities in 2025-26 and beyond.
“He had to make some sacrifices when we traded for Luka last year. And he understands how important it is for Luka and AR to have time on the ball. And the realistic thing is that, when they’re on the court together, that’s going to take away time on the ball from him.”
Though this is uncharted territory, James is seemingly showing remarkable poise in the face of adversity as he adapts to a role unlike any he's played before.
LeBron acknowledges new Lakers hierarchy, just wants to win
James could easily push for a featured role, even as a 41-year-old player in their 23rd season. He's a four-time MVP who averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 2.0 three-point field goals made on .489/.357/.775 shooting during the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
James was even named as an All-Star for the 2025-26 season, due in no small part to the fact that he's one of just five players currently averaging at least 20.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.
The harsh reality in Los Angeles, however, is that what James will be next season is as relevant to the distribution of touches as what he is in the present. Doncic and Reaves are 27 years of age and thus represent the present and the future of the organization.
With Reaves also heading toward a lucrative new contract that he'll likely decline his player option to sign this summer, the Lakers need to gather as much data as possible on what his salary should be.
LeBron is still a star, but the Lakers' priorities have changed
The early return has been remarkable, as Doncic and Reaves have produced tremendous results as a duo. Doncic is on pace to win his second career scoring title and Reaves ranks third in the NBA in points per fourth quarter, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell.
Furthermore, the two-man lineup of Doncic and Reaves currently ranks in the 86th percentile in net rating—thus proving that they can border on dominance when they share the court.
Though it's been understandably challenging, it seems as though James is embracing his new role as the third star in the Lakers' Big Three. That, for better or worse, will entail sacrificing touches that he'd typically receive, particularly in late-game situations.
Thankfully, James is buying in to the system, accepting his new reality, and committing himself to helping the Lakers win—no matter what the situation calls for. That selfless approach is nothing if not commendable from a player with as much star power as any athlete on the planet.
It may also prove to be what positions James to pursue a fifth career championship in 2025-26.