No matter what team LeBron James goes to, he instantly makes them playoff contenders. He did that in Cleveland twice and turned Miami from playoff contenders to title contenders. His pure dominance on both ends of the floor is what makes him the best player in the world, but even the best player in the world needs to make adjustments.
In Cleveland, many pointed out that James did not utilize his teammates too well because newcomers like Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, and George Hill struggled alongside him. LeBron is obviously an excellent passer and great playmaker, but he dominates the ball far too much, which, as a result, freezes the offense.
Lakers have a different plan for LeBron in upcoming season
The Lakers don’t want LeBron James to freeze the offense for their young core. They want James to get them highly involved, which requires LeBron to change up his offensive style of play.
Last season, the Lakers succeed by pushing the ball every chance they got and found quality offense in semi-transition. Head coach Luke Walton wants to incorporate the same offensive style even with LeBron in the lineup. He wants James to play off the ball and thrive in semi-transition.
There is a reason why the Lakers added Rajon Rondo during free agency as well; they want another ball handler and playmaker, which can speed up the tempo and control pace.
If James can accept to run with the young guys and play off the ball, it could definitely work out.
The organization trusts Walton completely. They believe he can implement a system that would benefit everyone, from LeBron, to the young core, to the veteran role players they recently signed. It’s a free-flowing offense, which helped the Lakers gain many wins last season, and it’s an easy offense to learn.
LeBron not pressuring Lakers to bring in another star
The Lakers are still working to bring in another star to play alongside James, most preferably Kawhi Leonard. However, James is not pressuring the franchise to make a move now. He is patient and trusts the organization to get something done in the near future.
If another star does come to L.A., expect Coach Walton to keep the same mindset when it comes to the offensive scheme.
He still wouldn’t want LeBron or the other star to dominate the ball. Walton coached the Golden State Warriors for a good portion of the 2015-16 NBA season and was able to maintain Steve Kerr’s free-flowing offensive system. He is trying to accomplish the same thing in Los Angeles, so nothing changes with LeBron James on board. The four-time MVP, and whoever else comes to L.A., have to buy into the system.
