The power of self-belief can be strong in many facets of life. Why would basketball be any different?
For the Los Angeles Lakers, that intangible is absolutely there right now. One of the clear figures spearheading that is LeBron James.
It is written all over his body language, mannerisms, and everything in between. James is loving every bit of playing on the Lakers right now. The aging star called out everyone who thought this team was better without him. It is clear his mind and focus is firmly on ring number five. Longtime LeBron watcher Brian Windhorst even ascribed himself to the idea that James truly believes in the team.
"The best thing I can say about the Lakers right now: LeBron believes," Windhorst brought up during an ESPN appearance. "This is a nuanced thing, but if you watch LeBron over the decades, there are times when you get to a point in the season where you know he doesn't believe in his team."
Windy thought this was something the stats would not reveal, but the eye test would. He felt confident James was dialed in and invested in the upside of this Lakers group.
LeBron James being bought in is already translating for the Lakers
James is embracing life as a third option. LeBron has happily accepted that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the primary focuses of the offense. That should tell immediately you how willing and ready LeBron is to see this season out for the Lakers.
JJ Redick deserves some kudos in that. The Lakers head coach is clearly proving to be invaluable when it comes to managing egos — a very underrated but important trait for any head coach, but especially one in his shoes.
Even with that obligatory acknowledgement, James deserves his praise here too. LeBron has always been a player who is committed to winning and he is showing that yet again with the Lakers.
James has already proven capable of doing the dirty work that is required of him as the third star. The now well-known and well-regarded dive for the loose ball against the Denver Nuggets is the most obvious example of the 41-year-old being bought in on this team.
The power of friendship is a long mocked and ridiculed theme. However, plenty of NBA teams have proven capable of overachieving through having a tight-knit group that likes one another. With James locked in, that much feels reflective of who the Lakers are. Whether they can take it that extra step remains to be seen.