LeBron James outlines what makes Lakers dangerous ahead of playoffs

LeBron James changing his playing style after Luka Doncic's arrival has led to surprisingly good results for the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James outlines what makes Lakers dangerous ahead of playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Once Luka Doncic settled in with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team had one of their best runs this season. He was primarily playing on the ball, which meant LeBron James was suddenly off it. This new method brought out a different dynamic to their offense as well as defense as they put together that streak.

Once James was sidelined by injuries, the team struggled mightily. Their defensive deficiencies started showing through and teams picked on Doncic, which greatly limited their overall offensive flow. That resulted in some bad losses which saw them slide down the West standings.

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Now the 40-year-old is back, and the team have regained some of the prowess they displayed in February. A few bad mistakes aside, the team’s recent 3-1 record indicates they can go after some of the better teams. LeBron James believes, the best is yet to come.

Myself and Luka will have the two best defenders every night. There’s not many teams with a third defender. And that third defender has to guard Austin Reaves. We have the ability to interchange. We have the ability to do so many great things.

LeBron James said

The four-time league MVP was telling his new Mind the Game podcast partner Steve Nash how the three Lakers stars on the floor force defensive mismatches. This means either one of them gets into a favorable position to score. Or, one of their other teammates makes a play. Either way, they are at an advantage.

LeBron James playing free safety impacts Lakers both ways

For much of LeBron James’ career, he has been the primary playmaker. Opposition defenders were focused on what he did, to better get an idea of how the Los Angeles Lakers were going to attack. Now, with Doncic handling the point, James’ free safety role is unlocking a new form of offense.

When I know that it’s for the betterment of the team, I am able to adapt to whatever position that needs to be done. I can do things that can affect the game still, that benefits our team. What I do best is (staying) even more unlocked. I’m going to pick you apart.

LeBron James said

In his free safety role, the 40-year-old has brought a different dimension to the Los Angeles Lakers offense. Now, he can cut, improvise, adapt and either make a play, or create an opening for his teammates.

He employs this method on defense as well. In their win against the Houston Rockets, he rotated onto help Austin Reaves and blocked Alperen Sengun‘s layup. That along with his ability to pick steals has helped the defense greatly. It all boils down to the extra energy the superstar has by not being the primary ball handler.

Lakers have one extra gear to engage

The Los Angeles Lakers have seven games left in the regular season. How they finish this stretch will determine who they play in the first round. The easiest first round matchup would have been the Memphis Grizzlies.

But if it does not happen, the team still have an extra gear to engage. They have not fully showcased what they can do collectively. In this stage of the season, playoff teams do not want to give away a lot. That maybe the reason why they are battling close in games.

Head coach JJ Redick and his staff might have an updated version of their gameplan. He will likely deploy that only if he believes the team needs to use it. Otherwise, they will execute the methods LeBron James has detailed above.