LeBron Embraces New Role as Luka Doncic Explodes for Lakers

Merlin sees LeBron James willingly shrinking his box score in the Lakers’ 142-130 win over the Bulls. Back after a three-game absence, he had 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and said, "If it benefits others, it benefits the team. The team is most important." Luka Dončić led with 51 points, Austin Reaves had 30 and Deandre Ayton added 23. LeBron’s scoring is down to 21.4 points per game, his fewest since 2003-04, yet coach JJ Redick noted LeBron "had to make some sacrifices" after the Luka trade. Merlin senses a veteran trading personal numbers for team rhythm, a quiet kind of leadership that can stretch a title window. If LeBron preserves energy and lets Luka run the engine, the West race tilts in Los Angeles’s favor.