How Will LeBron James' Return Impact Lakers? NBA Insiders Talk Effect on Reaves, Ayton

There are few players in NBA history with a more overarching presence than LeBron James, so it is fair to wonder how his return from sciatica will impact some of his teammates even if it should help the Los Angeles Lakers' title pursuit.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin discussed the King's return with more than 10 people within and outside the Lakers organization, and a number of them weighed in on the overall impact for Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves in particular since James and Luka Dončić figure to dominate the ball moving forward.

There was mixed opinion when it came to Ayton.

"Ayton should benefit the most out of LeBron back," one Eastern Conference executive said. "LeBron makes people look good. [He'll feed Ayton] lobs and dump-offs at the rim."

It isn't difficult to understand that perspective, as opposing defenses will be focused on the trio of James, Dončić and Reaves more than anything else. That should open up plenty of lobs and open looks for the big man, and James is one of the best passing forwards in NBA history who will surely take advantage of those situations.

However, a Western Conference executive raised some concerns.

"I imagine Deandre's going to be a problem. He's just not smart enough of a player," he said. "And the inconsistent effort, LeBron usually has issues with, to say the least."

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Reaves is likely less of a question mark since he has previously played alongside James and understands how to adjust. An Eastern Conference executive raised the obvious and said, "I assume his usage will go down," but a Western Conference scout suggested it will be better in the long run to keep Reaves fresher with the King shouldering more of the offensive responsibilities.

"What's most important is can Austin and Luka have perspective on it?" one Lakers team source told ESPN. "If they handle themselves appropriately, it's very easy to hold the rest of the other guys accountable when you bring LeBron back."

There were no issues during James' return Tuesday, as the Lakers cruised to a 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz with Dončić leading the way with 37 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.

Ayton (13) and Reaves (11) also had more field-goal attempts than James' seven, and the King was a willing distributor with 12 assists.

It is a testament to James' basketball understanding that he immediately entered the lineup for a Lakers team that is now 11-4 and shifted into pass-first mode to keep his teammates who have been playing at such a high level involved.

Eventually the 40-year-old figures to take more shots, as he has been the focal point of every team he has been on during his legendary career. But he may shift into more of a secondary playmaker role given his age and the overall talent around him.

That formula worked well Tuesday and could be the key to a long run in the Western Conference playoffs.