NBA legend Reggie Miller questions LeBron James’ place in the Lakers’ offensive system

The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2025–26 NBA season in dominant form, racing to a 13–4 record to claim second place in the Western Conference standings.

What makes their strong start even more remarkable is that it came without superstar LeBron James, who missed the early stretch of the season due to a sciatica-related injury. The four-time MVP has since returned, appearing in the Lakers’ last three outings, but remains in the process of regaining peak condition.

In LeBron’s absence, the Lakers have been powered by the exceptional play of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who shouldered the bulk of the scoring load and kept the franchise firmly among the West’s elite.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

That momentum carried over into the NBA Cup, where the Lakers dispatched crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, 135–118 on Wednesday, November 26 (Philippine Standard Time). Dončić once again starred, erupting for 43 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists on 14-of-28 shooting to lift the Lakers to a 3–0 record and the top seed in West Group B.

James, now 40, logged 32 minutes and delivered an efficient all-around performance with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block on 9-of-15 field goal shooting—reinforcing that his impact remains significant even as he works back to full strength.

“There’s a BIG difference between having the Greatest Career and the Greatest Basketball Player” 👀

Hall of Famer Reggie Miller is the latest to give his opinion on the GOAT conversation between Jordan and LeBron 🏀 pic.twitter.com/WBqEx2tsgN

— NBA Strife ツ (@strifeomg) April 24, 2025

Still, NBA legend Reggie Miller has raised questions regarding LeBron’s evolving role in the Lakers’ offense. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Miller pointed out James’ reduced scoring output.

“When was the last time LeBron James was the fifth leading scorer on his team? He is averaging 14 points. How does JJ Redick navigate that, having an All-NBA player just a year ago, second team in LeBron, and now you incorporate him in the Lakers’ structures?” Miller asked.

The Naismith Hall of Famer stressed that the Lakers’ abundance of scoring options is a “great problem” to have, but noted the team’s late-game inconsistency when Dončić, Reaves, and James share the court.

“The last two minutes were a little kind of wobbly because they didn’t know. It was between Austin Reves, Luka, and LeBron, and all they kept running was a high-screen-and-roll with LeBron being the screener.

“At some point, when LeBron has his legs, his wind, and he is back in full shape, and no back issues, you assume at some point LeBron is going to have the ball with some of these high-screen-and-rolls. They have got to figure out their closing moments and action between those three players,” Miller added.

Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal recently echoed a similar concern, predicting that Reaves’ usage will inevitably decline with James’ return, saying the guard “is going to be reverted back to standing in the corner, taking last second three pointers.”

Whether JJ Redick can balance the skill sets of all three stars—or whether the hierarchy will naturally revert as LeBron rounds into form—remains one of the season’s most intriguing storylines for the Lakers.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.