Five games into the 2025–26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have a surprising leader — and it’s not LeBron James or Luka Dončić. With both stars missing time, Austin Reaves has stepped up as the team’s most reliable performer.
Reaves has carried the load with consistency and production that have made him the early-season MVP for the Lakers. When Dončić and James return, Reaves will naturally slide back into a complementary role, but his strong play proves he can anchor the team when needed.
As Reaves shines offensively, many are calling for James to shift his focus. Instead of carrying the scoring burden as he’s done for two decades, the 40-year-old superstar is being urged to do something he hasn’t done in over a decade — lock in defensively.
LeBron’s Defensive Drought
From 2008 to 2014, LeBron James was a fixture on the NBA’s All-Defensive Teams, earning six straight selections. But since 2014, he hasn’t made the cut — and at times, his effort on that end has drawn criticism.
Even at nearly 41 years old, James remains one of the league’s strongest and most athletic players. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions, but his energy has long been prioritized for offense — a choice that made sense when he was the Lakers’ primary scorer and facilitator.
Now, with Dončić and Reaves both capable of creating offense, analysts believe James’ best move is to sacrifice some scoring for a renewed defensive effort.
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn summarized it perfectly after Reaves’ recent 51-point explosion:
> “The best version of this Laker team is one in which Austin is the second-leading scorer and genuinely competes for an All-Star slot while LeBron lowers his own scoring to around 18–20 a night while focusing more of his energy on defense.”
Why Defense Could Be LeBron’s Path to Longevity
James doesn’t need to prove himself as a scorer or playmaker — he’s already one of the greatest ever in both categories. But defense could be his ticket to extending his career and maintaining elite status.
He’s expected to return from injury by November 18, which would allow him to play a maximum of 68 games this season. To qualify for All-NBA honors, he can afford to miss only three more games the rest of the way.
Reaching his 22nd All-NBA Team would not only add another record to his résumé but also help secure a significant salary and role in free agency next summer. Falling short could complicate that picture.
By embracing a defensive mindset, James could check multiple boxes — helping the Lakers win, protecting his legacy, and showing that he can adapt to any role as his career winds down.
It may not be as glamorous as dropping 30 points a night, but if LeBron James wants to keep winning — and keep playing — it might be the smartest move he can make.
