LeBron James has never been shy about praising high-level basketball minds, and now that he’s playing with two of the sharpest young guards in the league, he’s explaining why the Los Angeles Lakers offense has hit a new level.
On the latest episode for Mind the Game podcast, LeBron opened up about the dynamic he shares with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — and what makes this trio nearly impossible to stop.
“That’s the scary thing for the potential. 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 guys that can play bully ball but have the brain to manipulate the game.”
That combination of physical strength and basketball IQ is what has elevated the Lakers into a true threat in the Western Conference. The team currently sits fourth in the West with a 46-29 record, largely thanks to this trio carrying the load.
Between LeBron, Luka, and Reaves, the Lakers are getting over 70 points a night, along with elite-level playmaking. The numbers reflect how well-rounded and unselfish this group is.
LeBron is averaging 24.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic is putting up 27.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists on 44.0% shooting from the floor and 35.7% from deep.
Reaves has stepped up to All-Star caliber form, averaging 19.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while hitting 45.5% from the field and 36.0% from three.
What LeBron said rings especially true when considering playoff matchups. Most teams don’t have the personnel to defend all three.
In fact, only a handful of teams — the Celtics, Thunder, and Cavaliers — can field three elite perimeter defenders at once. Even then, it’s asking a lot to throw your third-best defender on a guy like Reaves, who has repeatedly punished mismatches all season long.
This is why the Lakers refused to entertain trade discussions involving Reaves. He’s become far more than just a high-energy guard. His decision-making, composure, and ability to score at all three levels have made him the perfect complement to LeBron and Luka.
While Luka and LeBron attract double teams and top-tier defenders, Reaves operates in space, breaking defenses with tough floaters, pull-up threes, or smart cuts.
What’s most terrifying for opposing defenses is the collective IQ of the trio. Luka and LeBron are two of the greatest playmakers the game has ever seen.
They manipulate defenses like chess masters, baiting help, using screens, and finding the open man every time. Reaves fits into that mold seamlessly, often serving as a secondary creator who can also take over stretches when needed.
The Lakers have found a blend that works — brawn, brains, and chemistry. With seven games left in the regular season and a top-four seed almost locked in, this trio has given Los Angeles real hope for another championship run. If the Lakers stay healthy, LeBron, Luka, and Reaves may be the scariest offensive unit in the playoffs.
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