Lakers coach JJ Redick defines LeBron James' role heading into 6-game trip

James' willingness to sacrifice his body for wins is a 'great example of leadership', Redick says.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:36am

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Lakers star LeBron James suffered a knee injury after diving for a loose ball during Saturday's overtime win against the Denver Nuggets, but his coach JJ Redick praised the play as an example of James' leadership. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves healthy, James has taken more of a supporting role in the offense, though he remains a 'high-usage player'. The Lakers are heading into a 6-game road trip, and Redick discussed how the team is finding a rhythm with their three top scorers.

Why it matters

James' willingness to sacrifice his body for wins, even while dealing with injuries, shows his commitment to the team's success. As the Lakers continue their push for the playoffs, managing the roles and production of their three top scorers - James, Doncic and Reaves - will be crucial.

The details

In the 13 games since the All-Star break, Doncic has averaged 32.7 points, Reaves has averaged 21.1, and James (who has played in 10 of the games) has averaged 18.7. Redick said the 'best thing for our team is being the third-highest-used player' for James, as the Lakers work to find the right balance and rhythm between their three leading scorers.

  • On Monday, James shared a photo on Instagram showing the skin torn off the top of his knee from his diving play on Saturday.
  • In the Lakers' overtime win against the Nuggets on Saturday, James made a Superman-like dive to save a loose ball.

The players

LeBron James

The Lakers star who suffered a knee injury from diving for a loose ball during Saturday's game, but whose willingness to sacrifice his body for wins was praised by his coach as an example of leadership.

JJ Redick

The Lakers head coach who discussed James' role on the team and the challenge of balancing the production of the team's three leading scorers - James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' leading scorer at 32.8 points per game, who hit the game-winning shot in Saturday's overtime victory against the Nuggets.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers player who, along with Doncic, has seen increased production since returning from injury, averaging 21.1 points per game since the All-Star break.

Maxi Kleber

The Lakers backup big man who has been 'shut down' for the last five days due to a lumbar back strain and did not travel with the team to begin their 6-game road trip.

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What they’re saying

“Might be it for diving for the year. Ouch!! LOL!”

— LeBron James (Instagram)

“Him doing it (diving for the ball), caring for for winning was unbelievable. And just amazing to see.”

— Luka Doncic, NBA's leading scorer

“Leadership is not just the voice who's talking. Leadership is then what you do on the court.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.