JJ Redick confirms LeBron James is being used in a new role as a “screener” and “connector”

The Los Angeles Lakers have made an impressive start to the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, compiling an 18–7 record to sit third in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers continued their strong run in their most recent outing on Monday, December 15 (Philippine Standard Time), edging the Phoenix Suns 116–114 at the Phoenix Arena. Luka Dončić led the way with 29 points, while LeBron James added 26 in a balanced offensive showing. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes provided solid support, contributing 20 and 12 points, respectively.

Los Angeles’ hot start has largely been fueled 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 Lakers’ offense. What makes the run even more impressive is that it came despite James missing the first 14 games of the season due to a sciatic-related injury on his right side.

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While the Lakers’ offense has been among the league’s most potent, their defense remains a concern. According to Basketball-Reference, Los Angeles currently ranks 20th in defensive rating—an area head coach JJ Redick acknowledges must improve as the season progresses.

“It was good. We talked about a lot – not just that. But he was right. You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that’s on us, that’s on me.” – Luka Doncic on JJ Redick’s recent meeting where he asked for more on the defensive end from him and LeBron pic.twitter.com/EF9wRTFduz

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 17, 2025

One notable adjustment during the win over Phoenix was James’ evolving role on offense. Rather than serving solely as a primary scorer, the 40-year-old frequently acted as a screener and initiator, setting picks for Dončić to trigger the offense. Redick revealed postgame that the Lakers have deliberately tasked James with becoming more of a “connector” on the floor.

“One of the things he did extremely well tonight was screen. LeBron was like our connector tonight. The second action stuff was huge. There are a lot of different ways we view him as a screener. The first part is getting him a mismatch, getting him a smaller defender. We can do that at the elbow, we can do that in different ways in the post. That forces the defense to make a decision. Do they put two on the ball, do they allow him to get his two feet in the paint, where he can overpower a smaller guy,” Redick said.

“What we have seen an uptick in, and we saw it in flashes last year, is him getting roller behind as a screener. That’s where I think he is the most dangerous. He had a number of, we call them follows. He had a number of plays where it was the second action, follow. Follow the pass, got roller behind, and now we are playing four on three,” he added.

Even as he approaches his 41st birthday, James continues to demonstrate his value as the ultimate team player. However, the shift in responsibilities has affected his individual numbers, with the superstar averaging career lows in both points and field-goal attempts this season.

For Redick and the Lakers, tightening up defensively will be crucial, especially in a Western Conference stacked with elite offensive teams such as the Denver Nuggets (No. 1 in offensive rating), Houston Rockets (No. 3), Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 5), Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 6), and San Antonio Spurs (No. 8).

If Los Angeles can find consistency on the defensive end while maintaining its offensive rhythm, the Lakers could solidify themselves as legitimate contenders as the season unfolds.

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