"Just last season, he made All NBA Second Team while averaging more than 40 combined points, rebounds and assists per game for the ninth straight season (post 2015-16). Fast-forward to this season and during the month that LeBron missed, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both broke out to amazing starts built on shared high-usage opportunities. With Doncic and Reaves combining to average more than 63 points and almost 16 assists, there's no way LeBron could get anywhere near his normal"
"And it has ... in the best possible way for the long-term playoffs aspirations for the Lakers. LeBron has willingly taken two steps back, playing off the ball and using his on-ball possessions more often to set up teammates than himself. And, in so doing, he has fit into the team dynamic instead of having it fit around him -- as has been the case his whole career. LeBron embracing the third option role allows Doncic and Reaves to continue"
LeBron James returned in mid-November after missing the first month of the season with sciatica, but his numbers were down through his first seven games. During his absence, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves produced breakout, high-usage starts, combining for more than 63 points and almost 16 assists. LeBron has willingly lowered his usage, playing off the ball and using on-ball possessions to set up teammates rather than prioritize scoring. LeBron fitting into a third-option role has allowed Doncic and Reaves to continue carrying an oversized offensive responsibility and supports the Lakers' playoff aspirations. Doncic leads the NBA in usage and scoring while still averaging 9.1 assists.
Read at ESPN.com
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