Mark Medina of RG.org recently spoke with an NBA assistant coach and two scouts to get a sense of what the Lakers might realistically expect from a 41-year-old version of LeBron James, particularly in lineups that also include Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
While the talent level is undeniable, one evaluator suggested that the on-court balance can feel awkward when all three share the floor at the same time.
“When all three of them are out there, it’s hard to watch LeBron,” the assistant said. “He’s not completely uninvolved. But it’s just weird not to see him touch the ball so much. It’s odd watching him out there.”
The same source noted that things tend to look smoother when James is paired with just one of the two guards.
In those situations, head coach JJ Redick can more easily structure the offense to keep LeBron engaged, whether through designed after-timeout sets or by letting him operate as a passer out of the post.
“When it’s just him and one of them, JJ is able to find a way to keep LeBron involved and run ATOs for him and utilize his passing out of the post through different actions,” the assistant explained.
However, when all three share the floor, the challenge becomes one of balance rather than talent. According to the coach, the offensive responsibilities don’t always divide cleanly, creating moments where roles overlap rather than complement each other.
“When it’s all three of them, it doesn’t seem like there is enough of a pie to split up,” he said, underscoring the difficulty of maximizing three high-usage players within the same lineup.
Rui Hachimura is expected to return soon, plus more on the Lakers. https://t.co/OAb0RtCWEQ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 1, 2026
