LeBron James Embraces Revitalized Role as Lakers' Main Star

JJ Redick says James is ready to carry the team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:49am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamism and intensity of LeBron James' play as he leads the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason.LeBron James' renewed role as the Lakers' driving force could propel the team deep into the playoffs.Los Angeles Today

With the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the playoffs, LeBron James has once again become the team's primary star player after sharing the spotlight with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves earlier in the season. Head coach JJ Redick says James recognizes the task at hand and is 'very locked in' to facilitate, score, defend, and rebound as the Lakers' go-to guy.

Why it matters

LeBron James has long been considered one of the greatest players of all time, but at 38 years old, he has had to share more of the load with younger stars like Doncic. Now, with key injuries, James must return to his familiar role as the Lakers' main man, which could be crucial for their playoff success.

The details

The Lakers are preparing for the playoffs with LeBron James as their clear-cut leader, a shift from earlier in the season when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sharing the spotlight. With Doncic and Reaves currently sidelined by injuries, Redick says the team will need James to do it all - facilitate the offense, score, defend, and rebound - in order to make a deep playoff run.

  • The Lakers are heading into the playoffs after a regular season where LeBron James shared the spotlight.
  • Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are currently out with injuries, leaving James as the Lakers' sole star player.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old NBA superstar and one of the greatest players of all time, who has had to share the load with younger stars like Luka Doncic this season but is now the Lakers' clear-cut leader with key injuries.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who says James recognizes the task at hand and is 'very locked in' to carry the team as its go-to guy.

Luka Doncic

A rising NBA superstar who has shared the spotlight with LeBron James this season, but is currently sidelined by injury.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-best player this season, who is also currently out with an injury, leaving James as the team's sole star.

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What they’re saying

“We're gonna need him to facilitate, we're gonna need him to score, we're gonna need him to defend and rebound. He recognizes the task at hand, and he's very locked in; he's played great in all three games.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers will have some time to rest before the playoffs begin, which will be valuable for the 38-year-old LeBron James as he prepares to shoulder the load as the team's primary star.

The takeaway

LeBron James' ability to once again become the Lakers' main man and lead them deep into the playoffs could be crucial for the team's success, especially with key injuries sidelining other stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.