Is Lebron James Still the Lakers True Leader? Austin Reaves Praises LeBron James as Lakers’ True Leader

LOS ANGELES — Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ breakout guard, recently called LeBron James the “real leader” of the team, emphasizing the four-time NBA champion’s selfless play, basketball IQ and example-setting presence even as Luka Doncic has taken on the primary scoring and playmaking role.

In a post-game interview following the Lakers’ victory over the Chicago Bulls earlier this month, Reaves highlighted James’ adaptability after returning from a brief injury absence. “He’s one of the smartest guys to ever play the game of basketball,” Reaves said. “His ability to adapt and to figure out what the game needs is second to none. … When you got a player of that stature who’s willing to play the way the game needs him to play, that just shows how selfless he is and just is a leader by example for everybody in this locker room.”

The comments came as the Lakers navigated a shifting hierarchy following last season’s blockbuster trade that brought Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. With Doncic establishing himself as the top option — often leading in points, assists and usage — and Reaves emerging as a reliable second scorer and ball-handler, James has willingly adjusted his role. Coach JJ Redick has engineered lineups that lower James’ usage to historic lows for the superstar, prioritizing Doncic and Reaves in pick-and-roll actions and late-game situations.

LeBron himself reinforced this dynamic after a recent win over the Houston Rockets, where Doncic dropped 40 points. “We have guys who have been in big games before. AR and Luka are two of our closers, and we just all try and sprinkle in, and do what we need to do defensively to help those guys out,” James told reporters. The statement aligned with reports that the Lakers are building “Dallas 2.0” around Doncic and Reaves long-term, though sources indicate both younger stars want James to remain beyond this season.

Reaves’ praise underscores James’ enduring influence despite the statistical shift. At 41, James averages 21.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists on 50.5% shooting this season, numbers that reflect efficiency over volume. Reaves pointed to specific moments against the Bulls: James setting screens, crashing for offensive rebounds (including an and-1) and finishing behind defenses — contributions that don’t always show in box scores but fuel team success.

The Lakers sit 41-25 as of mid-March 2026, holding fourth in the Western Conference and riding a strong stretch fueled by veteran buy-in. A $16 million role player has exemplified the selfless culture James promotes, contributing to a dominant run where the trio has found balance. Analysts note the team performs exceptionally when Doncic and Reaves share primary responsibilities, with James providing spacing, facilitation and defensive versatility.

Earlier concerns about lineup fit — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once said the three together weren’t effective — have eased as synergies develop. Locked On Lakers discussions highlight how Reaves’ elevated on-ball role and James’ reduced usage create better spacing and fewer turnovers. Reaves has thrived in this setup, averaging 23.85 points, 4.78 rebounds and 5.5 assists across recent games, often excelling in Doncic-James absences (posting 44.3 PPG in three such contests last season).

James’ leadership extends beyond stats. Reaves has repeatedly called him the smartest player he’s played with, crediting daily joy, positivity and mentorship. In one instance, during a timeout, James declared “I’m not tired” — a moment Reaves cited as motivational. “LeBron said ‘I’m not tired’ … and that was enough,” Reaves recalled in a team huddle anecdote.

The dynamic has sparked debate about the future. Reports suggest the Lakers may move on from the James era post-season, focusing on Doncic and Reaves as cornerstones. Yet Reaves’ words affirm James’ locker-room stature. “Follow the leader,” he said in reference to James’ example, per recent reports.

As the playoffs approach, the Lakers’ success hinges on this balance. James’ willingness to sacrifice — accepting a third-option role in key stretches — has enabled Doncic’s dominance and Reaves’ growth. The guard’s public endorsement reinforces that leadership isn’t measured solely by touches or points but by impact, adaptability and team-first mentality.

With the season heating up, Reaves’ comments serve as a reminder: While Doncic drives the offense and Reaves provides secondary creation, James remains the guiding force in the Lakers’ locker room.