Predicting the Lakers perfect starting lineup after an ideal offseason

Starting Lakers Small Forward: LeBron James 

Whether he accepts his player option or re-signs beyond 2024-25, LeBron James as a starter is a given. One of the greatest players in NBA history and the epitome of the athlete who Father Time has given an extension to, James is still an impact player of the highest order.

It’s a bit more difficult to place James at one position entering his age-40 season than it was in the past, but pencil him in as a forward and pick whichever spot you prefer as the lineup shifts.

At 39 years of age, James produced at levels that a vast majority of 29-year-old players would be envious of. He averaged team-highs of 25.7 points and 8.3 assists, as well as 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per game.

It was James' best three-point shooting season to date, as he buried the second-most triples of his NBA career while shooting a career-best 41.0 percent from beyond the arc.

It was also James’ second-ever season above 40.0 percent from distance and his first since his MVP-winning campaign in 2012-13.

With James locked in as a starter, the Lakers have a player who has a clear ability to complement Davis in a star-caliber manner. The fact that James found his form from beyond the arc after shooting just 32.1 percent from distance in 2022-23 is a big part of that.

If James can continue to shoot efficiently from distance while making at least 75.0 percent of his free throws, the big offseason acquisition that’s yet to come will be of even greater value.

Even if his shooting slips a bit, he's still LeBron James.