The Lakers extended their winning streak to four games Thursday with a victory over Chicago, as LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing three games due to foot, elbow and hip injuries, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.
James finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, though he attempted only 13 shots while Luka Doncic (51 points) and Austin Reaves (30) carried much of the scoring load.
According to McMenamin, Los Angeles is now 8-3 this season when James is not among the team’s top two players in field goal attempts.
Head coach JJ Redick said he recently discussed the team’s approach with James and praised his willingness to adapt.
“LeBron and I, we talked, we had a great conversation over the last couple days,” Redick said. “He wants to do everything possible to help his team win, and he understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can be at their best.
“And you know, that’s incredible with him. It speaks a lot to just how much he cares about this team and his teammates, and how much he wants to win.”
Although James is still capable of dominant scoring performances, the 41-year-old has increasingly taken on more of a complementary role.
He described Doncic and Reaves as “magical and dynamic” on offense and said he is willing to adjust his game for the good of the team.
“I mean, if it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is most important,” James added. “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.”
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Doncic, Reaves, Ayton, Injuries https://t.co/vKjDuzYTDy pic.twitter.com/a6CfF74x1p
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 13, 2026
