LeBron Reacts to Being Lakers' 3rd Option Behind Luka, Austin Reaves Ahead of Free-Agency Decision
Los Angeles Lakers superstar and NBA legend LeBron James was thrust into an unfamiliar role this season, and he gave his perspective Monday night on what it was like being a third offensive option for much of the campaign.
Speaking to reporters after the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series and swept them out of the postseason, James said at the 5:50 mark, "Obviously we fell a little short, but I'm not looking at my year as a disappointment, that's for damn sure. I was put into some positions I never played in my career … actually, in my life. I've never been a third option in my life. So, to be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I've been accustomed with over my career … and being able to thrive … that was pretty cool for me at this stage in my career."
The 41-year-old James missed the start of the 2025-26 campaign due to sciatica, and while he was on the shelf, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves established themselves as the go-to guys from a scoring perspective.
Dončić led the team and the NBA with 33.5 points per game, and Reaves finished second on the team in scoring with 23.3 points per contest, although injuries did limit him to 51 games.
Despite his age, LeBron still managed to put up 20.9 points per game in 60 appearances, matching the scoring average from his rookie season in 2003-04 as the lowest of his career.
It was a unique situation for the NBA's all-time leading scorer, but he still thrived across multiple categories, as he also averaged 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals, while shooting 51.5 percent from the field.
With Dončić missing the Lakers' entire playoff run and Reaves missing the first four games of the first round, James had to settle back into a more familiar role as the team's leading scorer.
Starting all 10 of the Lakers' postseason games, James led the team with 23.2 points per game to go along with 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds.
James proved that even 23 years into his illustrious career, he is still capable of being the best player on a team that advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
After Monday's loss, James admitted that he isn't sure what's next for him, telling reporters, "I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I've answered questions. I don't think I've come out and been like, 'Oh, retirement is coming.' With my future, I don't know, honestly. It's, obviously it's still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don't know. I don't know what the future holds for me."
With James set to become a free agent this offseason, he could re-sign with the Lakers, sign elsewhere or even retire.
Given how he played during the postseason when called upon to be the top dog, it is fair to wonder if that could weigh heavily on his decision regarding what he does next.
