LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains uncertain despite his return to action.
LeBron James has started five games while averaging 15.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game in his comeback from health-related absences.
The LA Lakers have performed adequately without him, demonstrating roster resilience during his sideline period.
Former player Udonis Haslem believes the Lakers won’t reach the NBA Finals with LeBron James, viewing him as a liability rather than asset at this stage.
Max Kellerman envisions LeBron James’ reduced role as Jalen Brunson’s pick-and-roll partner
Multiple scenarios exist for LeBron’s future, including remaining with the Lakers, potential retirement due to declining physical condition, or trade possibilities.
NBA journalist Max Kellerman suggested the New York Knicks as a potential destination, proposing a specific role for the aging superstar.
“The thing about LeBron… I think I would do that, too. The thing about it is, I have Knicks fans in my life who are like, ‘I like Towns.’ No thanks. I don’t want to deal with [the drama]. I understand, me too,” Kellerman stated.
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Kellerman acknowledged Karl-Anthony Towns’ elite floor-spacing ability while noting defensive limitations that have persisted since college.
He proposed LeBron as an alternative who could serve a specialized function alongside Jalen Brunson.
“But if LeBron could be… think of him like Super Draymond Green on offense for the Knicks. He becomes the pick-and-roll partner for Jalen Brunson, and you can play five-out with him,” Kellerman explained.
“Even though Mitchell Robinson is there, it’s going to be four-on-one, but for high-leverage moments, if you can keep him healthy, and he’s doing much less if he’s really the power forward…”
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Bill Simmons compares proposed role to LeBron James 2024 Olympics version
Kellerman’s co-host Bill Simmons endorsed the argument, noting that a reduced role focuses LeBron’s remaining strengths rather than demanding he carry complete offensive loads.
“Well, you’re describing 2024 Olympics LeBron. And this is like, we don’t need all of you, but we need all, we need your brain. We need your Swiss Army knife… Play defense. I love having you out there,” Simmons responded.
LeBron’s physical condition supports this specialized role proposal. He no longer ranks among elite defenders or possesses his previous scoring explosiveness.
However, his basketball intelligence, passing ability, and situational awareness remain valuable assets when deployed strategically rather than as a primary option.
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