Shaquille O’Neal explains LeBron James’ evolving role in Lakers’ success

The Los Angeles Lakers have made an impressive start to the 2025–26 NBA season, posting a 19–7 record to sit third in the Western Conference standings.

Los Angeles continued its strong run on Friday, December 19 (Philippine Standard Time), edging the Utah Jazz 143–135 at the Delta Center. Once again, Luka Dončić led the way, delivering a dominant all-around performance with 45 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Superstar LeBron James provided strong support, finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently confirmed that James’ offensive role has evolved this season. Rather than functioning primarily as a scorer, the 40-year-old has increasingly operated as a screener and initiator, often setting picks for Dončić to spark the offense. Redick revealed postgame that the Lakers have intentionally tasked James with becoming more of a “connector” on the floor.

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Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who enjoyed a 19-year NBA career and played until age 39, believes James’ adjustment reflects the natural progression of a long, elite career. The four-time NBA champion noted that LeBron is now taking a backseat to younger stars such as Dončić and Austin Reaves, embracing more of a complementary role.

“We need a national MVP NBA criteria on what it takes to be MVP so there’s no questions asked at the end.”

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“Man, I don’t want to be the one to say LeBron is a complimentary player. It’s just that I think LeBron knows and understands that at some point, this thing comes to an end. And LeBron has always been a team guy first, so, you know, right now he is integrated,” O’Neal said during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.

James, however, continues to perform at a high level. Prior to the win over Utah, he averaged more than 24 points per game over his previous three outings while shooting 56 percent from the field. For the season, the 40-year-old is posting 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game—impressive numbers at any age.

Still, the Lakers’ success has largely been driven by Dončić’s brilliance. The Slovenian star is averaging 34.7 points, 8.8 assists, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, anchoring the team’s offense. Reaves, meanwhile, is enjoying a career-best campaign, scoring 27.0 points per game.

“Listen, Austin Reaves is playing lights out. Luka is the leading scorer in the NBA, he is playing lights out. I mean, LeBron is smart enough to know to let these guys cook. I’m not going to be the guy to say, ‘LeBron, you need to be a complementary player.’ LeBron knows and understands how to win, knows and understands how to run a team. And all the greats come to this point,” O’Neal added.

With James embracing a different role and the Lakers thriving early, it remains to be seen whether this evolving dynamic will translate into postseason success—and potentially another run at an NBA championship.

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