“I’m going to let Luka, Reaves drive this car” - Kendrick Perkins stunned by LeBron James embracing third option role

LeBron James has spent over two decades thriving alongside different superstars, always serving as the central figure on his teams. But in the 2025–26 season, he has embraced a completely different role.

He has willingly taken a step back, effectively operating as the third option for the LA Lakers without any ego issues. According to Kendrick Perkins, this shift is something fans need to fully appreciate to understand the true weight of his greatness.

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Perk wants everyone to acknowledge LBJ

As dominant as Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have been, averaging a combined 56.8 points per game, their impact has been largely sensed through scoring. That's where LBJ has adjusted perfectly.

The four-time MVP has forced on filling the gaps left by those two, creating plays, involving teammates, taking care of transition off ense, and stepping up with timely buckets to prevent scoring droughts when AR or Doncic are on the bench or when the game tips off, ensuring the team gains confidence.

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For Big Perk, to see a player like LeBron taking such a role is beyond impressive. Given how the likes of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan never took a secondary role and rather preferred retiring, James is showcasing how comfortable he is with his body of work and was okay with adjusting in his 23rd season so he can have a better chance of winning a ring.

"He has fully accepted that I'm going to let Luka, Austin Reaves drive this car and I'm gonna benefit off of playing off the ball. He leads the entire NBA in transition buckets," Perkins said. "The man is 41 years old. He leads the entire NBA in transition points. Think about that for a second."

Related: "The Lakers would be a much more dangerous playoff team" - Colin Cowherd says Jaden McDaniels fits the Lakers better than LeBron James

James is gearing up for the playoffs

In recent years, especially after the Lakers won the NBA cha mpionship in 2020, it seems to be a recurrent issue that King James eventually wears down in the playoffs because he exhausts himself out in the regular season.

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But in the 2025-26 season, it has been a completely different story — efficiently scoring in his limited field attempts and not forcing himself to be a part of the offense. Despite strong performances from Doncic and Reaves, playoff conditions introduce heightened defensive intensity.

And given the way this backcourt duo has performed, opposing teams are likely to deploy aggressive schemes to restrict their influence, thereby increasing the importance of LBJ's experience and leadership in maintaining offensive stability in crunch situations.

"I know what I'm capable of still doing as an individual, but what's important for this team, I'm able to adapt to… And that's the only thing that matters," said LeBron.

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And as Big Perk rightly mentioned, this is where James has separated himself from other GOAT candidates: he has recognized what the Lakers needed to elevate their winning prowess. He has made the sacrifice, regardless of what he would look like, because he wants to win at all costs.

Who knows, this could be the ultimate way for King James to chase his fifth ring with another group, and Perkins has realized how valiant this effort has been from the 41-year-old forward.

Related: "LeBron isn't Laker family" - Colin Cowherd argues that LeBron doesn't deserve a statue in Los Angeles

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.