The Los Angeles Lakers got LeBron James attacking the rim in Monday’s dominant win over the Washington Wizards, and it reminded fans that they need more of the GOAT operating as a roll man. His connection with Austin Reaves was on full display with Luka Doncic out. It was the perfect game for the superstar to miss, and it showcased something head coach JJ Redick must lean on more.
Fans know LeBron is a menace in transition and a genius cutter. That led to a few easy buckets, but LA was letting the 41-year-old get involved as a screener and roll man more. James did plenty of playmaking in the triple-double. It was against inferior competition, but James’ versatility will be crucial for the Lakers if they are going to make a deep playoff run.
LeBron has willingly accepted being the third option. It sparked the Lakers' hot stretch and has them looking like title contenders. Using James more as a roll man allows Luka and Reaves to be the primary creators with LBJ still involved in the action.
The Lakers need more LeBron James as a roll man
James had a spring in his step against the Wizards. The 41-year-old finished 21 points, ten rebounds, 12 assists, and one block in 33 minutes of action. He made eight of his 16 field goals as the Lakers outscored Washington by 24 with LeBron on the floor.
His connection with AR is special. Fans saw James miss a dunk early on Monday night, and it motivated him to throw down everything from there on. Reaves fed him a couple of beautiful lobs against the Wizards.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2026
Luka is the best pick-and-roll ball handler in the world. He leads the NBA in scoring and is elite at dissecting the defense. Now, imagine LeBron being his screener. They are two of the highest basketball IQ players in the league. It would certainly result in plenty of matchup nightmares for the opposition.
The Lakers give LeBron just 0.7 possessions per game as a roll man so far this season. He scores 1.06 points per possession in those situations. That success would shoot up with more usage. Reaves kept getting James to the rim for easy finishes. Doing so will be even easier with Luka running the show.
James has long been a problem as a roll man. He isn't afraid to set screens and dive to the cup. Fans have seen it for years, and it should become a larger part now.
The Lakers want the ball in Doncic’s hands. Austin Reaves was announced last on Monday night with Luka out. Those are LA’s two stars moving forward. LeBron is committed to helping them win. His ball-handling is taking a backseat, but the GOAT can be more involved as a roll man. It worked to perfection against the Wizards and will only get better with more reps.
The Los Angeles Lakers are just finding their stride. LeBron James has played a crucial role in that, but it is a great time to get him a bit more involved. He was fantastic against the Wizards. It resulted in a triple-double and a dominant victory. Do not be surprised to see more King James down the stretch and into the playoffs. Whatever helps LA win.
LeBron knows that means him finishing more easy buckets at the cup. It is all about the other two stars finding him. Expect to see the volume increase. It just makes sense.