LeBron James and the Lakers' Turnaround

The 41-year-old superstar has found a way to fit in with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, leading the Lakers' resurgence.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:06am

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LeBron James has defied doubters by finding ways to mesh with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, helping the Los Angeles Lakers turn their season around. After being left for dead as title contenders, the Lakers have won 12 of their last 13 games, re-entering the conversation as a legitimate championship threat in the NBA's entertaining parity-filled season.

Why it matters

James' ability to adapt his game and sacrifice for the team's success has been crucial to the Lakers' turnaround. The Lakers were widely expected to part ways with James after this season, but his selfless play and the team's recent surge have raised the possibility of him remaining in Los Angeles beyond this year.

The details

The Lakers' turnaround has been fueled by Dončić's MVP-caliber play, a defensive resurgence led by Marcus Smart, and DeAndre Ayton's increased buy-in. Crucially, James has taken a backseat, reducing his shot volume and increasing his efficiency, allowing Dončić and Reaves to thrive. The Lakers' lineups featuring all three players have seen a dramatic improvement in net rating since late February.

  • The Lakers were 10-4 without James to start the season, but struggled when he returned due to a lack of synergy with Dončić and Reaves.
  • Through February 27, the Lakers' lineups with Dončić, Reaves, and James had a negative net rating.
  • Since February 28, the Lakers' lineups with Dončić, Reaves, and James have a net rating of 18.3, the fifth-best in the league.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar and one of the greatest players of all time, who is in his 23rd season and has helped lead the Lakers' turnaround with his selfless play.

Luka Dončić

A 27-year-old NBA All-Star and MVP candidate, who has been the driving force behind the Lakers' recent success, averaging 36 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game over the last 13 games.

Austin Reaves

A 27-year-old Lakers guard who is expected to receive a major payday in free agency this summer, and has been a key part of the team's dynamic duo with Dončić.

Marcus Smart

A former Defensive Player of the Year who has been instrumental in the Lakers' defensive resurgence, posting a team-best plus-12.7 net rating during the team's recent stretch.

DeAndre Ayton

A mercurial big man who has gone from complaining about his role to being '110 percent bought in', contributing to the Lakers' improved defense and overall success.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, it sells papers a lot easier — and clippings and podcasts — if you say, 'LeBron, the team is better off without him.' A lot of people will try to, like, view it. So, I get it ... But they're absolutely wrong.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, in a game that could further solidify their status as a legitimate championship contender.

The takeaway

LeBron James' ability to adapt his game and sacrifice for the team's success has been crucial to the Lakers' turnaround. The team's improved defense, led by Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton, combined with Luka Dončić's MVP-caliber play, have transformed the Lakers into a formidable force in the NBA's parity-filled landscape.