Austin Reaves confident LeBron James will slide right into Lakers lineup

Austin Reaves played a starring role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, showing the value of his scoring and playmaking even as attention focused on LeBron James’ season debut.

Many have been wondering how James, who has missed all previous games this season due to a sciatica issue, would fit into the Lakers’ lineup. With his 41st birthday approaching, questions about his fitness and the potential disruption to the team’s current rhythm have been widely discussed.

Reaves, however, is not concerned. “Yeah, man, we’re still as a whole group trying to figure out how to play alongside one another,” he said. “We got some reps at it last year. But like I said, it’s still a whole new team. I’d assume it’s gonna take a little bit to get fully used to. But after the Milwaukee game, he’s a student of the game. I’m sure he’s been dissecting everything to come back and make it seamless.”

In James’ absence, the Lakers have gone 10-4, posting impressive wins including their best of the season against the Bucks. Reaves believes James has been closely following the team from the sidelines and will be able to rejoin without disrupting the squad’s momentum.

Reaves also highlighted the impact of James’ presence beyond statistics. “I don’t know if there’s a specific thing, just presence. In my opinion, he’s the greatest player to ever touch basketball. A lot of the young guys would say he’s their favourite player ever. His ability to lift a team and his basketball IQ… it’s just good to have him back,” Reaves said in an interview with ESPN.

On Tuesday, Reaves scored 26 points as the Lakers overcame a halftime deficit with a 21-5 third-quarter run. He praised James’ return to the floor and the ease of playing alongside both him and Luka Dončić. “We have two of the best passers to ever touch a basketball. When they make the right read, you play advantage basketball,” he said.

The Lakers combined for 17 assists from James and Dončić, shot 60 percent in the second half, and outrebounded Utah 41-35. Reaves credited the team’s composure and defensive adjustments for holding the Jazz to just 55 points in the second half.

Looking ahead, the Lakers aim to maintain their offensive chemistry as James fully reintegrates. Austin Reaves’ confidence in his veteran teammate suggests that Los Angeles could continue to build momentum and pose a serious threat to Western Conference contenders.

James’ return also makes NBA history: he will become the first player to compete in 23 seasons, cementing his legendary status as he continues to impact the game at an elite level.