LeBron James Talks 'Sacrifice' for Lakers to Help Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves After Injury Return
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is used to putting the team on his back, but following a 142-130 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, he suggested that he is fine taking on a different type of role.
James, who was fourth on the team in scoring and tied for third in field-goal attempts on Thursday, told reporters that he is willing to sacrifice the statistical output he has grown accustomed to if it means playing winning basketball.
"I mean, if it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is most important," James said. "Everybody's successful when we win. So yeah, it is a sacrifice. I know what I'm capable of still doing as an individual, but what's important for this team, I'm able to adapt to. ... And that's the only thing that matters. And the win is the only thing that matters."
In the 41-year-old veteran's first game back after missing three contests due to multiple injuries, he recorded 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists.
Superstar guard Luka Dončić exploded for 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Austin Reaves scored 30 and Deandre Ayton chipped in 23.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged to reporters that LeBron's role has changed ever since L.A. acquired Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks last season.
"He's been a high-usage player and the No. 1 option his whole career, and I know he wants to win," Redick said. "And he wants to do everything possible to help this team win, even if it looks a little bit differently.
"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."
James is a 22-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP and the NBA's all-time scoring leader, putting him firmly in the discussion of being the greatest player of all time.
LeBron is no longer the go-to guy, though, and his numbers reflect that, as his 21.4 points per game this season are his fewest since his rookie campaign in 2003-04.
Although James isn't necessarily used to being a second or even third option, Redick said LeBron "recognizes the importance of having Luka as the engine," adding that, "All he really wants is to impact winning."
The Lakers undoubtedly had a winning formula on Thursday, and at 41-25, they are currently third in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles is in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and with a performance similar to what the team pulled off Thursday, it has a solid chance to make it five wins in a row Saturday against the fifth-place Denver Nuggets.
