LeBron James has acknowledged the challenge of adapting to a new role with the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach JJ Redick. Known for his ball-dominant style, James has been tasked with playing off the ball more this season. Following the Lakers’ narrow 105-104 victory over the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Sunday, James discussed the ongoing adjustment.
While injuries to Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell in this game forced James to take on more ball-handling duties, he admitted this temporary return to his traditional role felt more familiar.
Career-Low Usage Rate for James
James’ usage rate this season stands at 27.5%, the lowest of his career, even lower than his rookie season in 2003-04 when it was 27.6%. For a player who has been a focal point of his teams’ offenses for two decades, the shift has been significant.
Despite starting the season strong, James recently endured one of the toughest scoring stretches of his career, averaging 16.0 points on 42.2% shooting over four games before facing the Jazz.
Strong All-Around Performance Against Utah
In the win against the Jazz, James delivered a well-rounded performance, posting 27 points, five rebounds, 14 assists, and two blocks. However, he continued to struggle with efficiency, shooting 12-28 from the field and 0-9 from beyond the arc.
For the 2024-25 season, James is averaging 22.6 points per game, the lowest since his rookie year, and shooting 49.3% from the field, his lowest mark since joining the Lakers.
A Crucial Win Amid Challenges
Despite James’ scoring dip, his playmaking remains a vital component of the Lakers’ success. His contributions were crucial in the win against Utah, which improved the Lakers’ record to 12-8. The victory was particularly significant, as the team had lost four of its previous five games and was missing key players like Reaves.
The Lakers will next face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at Target Center. The teams previously met on opening night, with the Lakers securing a 110-103 win. The team will hope for a similar outcome as they continue to navigate the season.
