Over the past year, LeBron James had to go through the transition of relinquishing the highly coveted role of Lakers main man to Luka Doncic. Recently, one of James’ teammates on the purple and gold squad showed appreciation for the adjustments that the four-time NBA champion made as he ceded the spotlight.
During a media availability at the Lakers’ practice session on Wednesday, Rui Hachimura praised LBJ for taking the initiative to alter his approach on the court to let the likes of Doncic and Austin Reaves shine.
“This is my fourth season with the Lakers…How LeBron’s been, especially this year, has been really different. He respects the team, the coaches, the players, and he understands his role with this team.”
Rui Hachimura went on to credit LeBron James for the Lakers being able to clinch another playoff appearance this season.
“He’s been doing great, and that’s why I think we got this fourth seed.”
At the start of the 2025-26 campaign, James sat out for a number of weeks due to sciatica issues. Ironically, towards the end of the season, it was LBJ having to keep the Lakers afloat as Doncic and Reaves went down with injuries.
In the postseason, James will have to turn back the clock as he carries the Lakers on his shoulders in the absence of his prolific backcourt.
“He’s Healthy and He’s Dangerous”: Former LeBron James Teammate Warns Lakers’ Playoff Opponents About 4x NBA Champion’s Lethal Form
While Hachimura conveyed a tone of admiration as he spoke about LeBron James, a former LBJ teammate might have been trying to scare the Lakers’ playoff opponents with a grim warning.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Iman Shumpert talked about James’ underrated leadership, as well as his good physical shape heading into the playoffs.
“People underestimate his willingness to bring out the best in his teammates…I understand he’s 41 but he’s healthy and he’s dangerous.”
Shumpert was teammates with James in Cleveland when the Cavaliers pulled off an improbable comeback from a 1-3 series deficit to win the NBA title in 2016.
