LeBron James is like a queen on a chessboard when it comes to basketball. He can seemingly do it all, especially on offense, and that ability has helped make him one of the greatest players in NBA history.

 

 

 

He has played mostly on the ball in his 21 prior NBA seasons, but for years, many have wanted him to play more off the ball in order to get easier scores and preserve his energy and body. The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have the personnel to allow him to do so with players such as starting point guard D’Angelo Russell and fellow starting backcourt player Austin Reaves.

The 39-year-old said that he’s willing to adapt to whatever type of role new head coach JJ Redick has in mind for him this season.

James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game and shot 54% from the field and a career-high 41% from 3-point range last season. Trimming his minutes and workload will be a big key for him this season, especially since he played in the Olympics this summer, and therefore playing off the ball more often would help keep him fresh moving forward.

Of course, it would also help Los Angeles immensely if he continues to shoot a high percentage from downtown, even if he doesn’t increase his 3-point shot volume.