11-04-2025, 10:20 AM
(11-04-2025, 09:42 AM)HoosierDaddyKid Wrote: And LeBron hasn't even played yet.
I am actually a little bit worried, how his return will impact their dynamics.
1. Reaves role will likely be reduced and he is not an ideal third option due to his defensive limitations. The solution would be if LeBron commits to being in that third guy role - spending most of energy on defense while being a third option offensively. Are Lakers and LeBron ready for that?
2. I guess Rui will go to bench when LeBron returns, as Mavs need a point of attack defender. Rui is close to ideal running mate for Luka. He is solid defensively and deadly accurate offensively. He is shooting 45 % from three and is especially lethal when receiving an open look his teammates generate. His TS so far is at 70 %. LeBron is not great off-ball and from catch and shoot situations. I am also not sure if he is much better defensively. Of course he does bring other things on the table like creation, driving to the rim, defensive rebounding and fast breaks.
3. If Lakers keep Rui in the starting unit, the one going to the bench will be their point of attack defender. Smart has been awesome in that role so far and their defense, which is already not great, would take a big hit.