The experience that LeBron Hames brings to the court helps shape up the Lakers' defense.
LeBron James in his record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA and his role looks slightly different with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James is still unquestionably one of the biggest pieces of the team and is still the third-highest scorer on the team behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but James' defensive presence on the Lakers this season has been more critical than ever.
The Lakers' lack of defense has been their most widely-discussed issue throughout the season. Their scoring has been unquestionably impressive, but their overall lack of defense has been the Achilles heel that leads to many of the Lakers' losses.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to move the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesHow LeBron Contributes Defensively
That's where James comes in. James has always been a stelar defensive player, particularly in the early part of his career when he was regularly in DPOY consideration, but his defense is even more critical on this Lakers team that is also lacking in size and physicality.
His defense was on full display in the Lakers' recent win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The game against the Mavericks was a back-and-forth battle where each team traded leads, but the Lakers came from behind in the end to take home the win.
"I've always kind of been that anchor voice to our defense," James said (via Spectrum SportsNet).
The hard-earned experience that James has is a big part of what helps him be such an asset defensively. He understands offensive schemes from opposing teams across the league and that helps him predict plays before they happen and communicate that knowledge to his teammates.
With that sort of defensive captaining, James can be the ringleader for the team and bring out as much defense from himself and his teammates as possible.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks to move the ball past Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Value of LeBron's Knowledge and Experience
While inherent talent and physicality is the most obvious asset to a team's defensive scheme, the kind of knowledge that James brings is just as valuable.
It's the great benefit that he brings as such a seasoned veteran and his awareness can elevate what the Lakers have to work with defensively to help get critical stops, especially late in games.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Intuit Dome. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers will still likely look to the trade deadline to make some additional acquisitions to the team to benefit their defense, but even any possible additions they make will benefit from James' leadership, communication and awareness when it comes to reading offenses.
James has had an adjusted role this season and with the lead offensive burden off his shoulders, his leadership, communication and insight when it comes to reading offenses and coordinating the Los Angeles defense has become even more valuable.