LeBron James was solely focused on ‘winning’ over his personal role

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made it clear on the latest episode of Mind the Game that his priorities this season have nothing to do with individual numbers or personal focus. Speaking with co-host and Hall of Famer Steve Nash, James said his focus is singular: winning basketball games.

“Look, all I care about is winning,” James said. “I’ve done everything in my career, including winning, and I want to continue that. So I’ll fit in very easily and in whatever capacity the team needs me to be.”

James elaborated on how he’s adjusted his game to complement the Lakers’ revamped roster, especially the presence of MVP candidate Luka Doncic.

“When you have a great point guard like Luca who creates so many eyes around him, one of the best things I can do is cut back from that 45 or wait to see if a guy gets into the DA or Jackson,” James explained. “Wandering behind the defense and catching lobs or just spotting and getting ready to shoot. I’ve worked a lot on my shooting when I wasn’t allowed to make a lot of physical shots … just to have that mindset throughout my career at whatever position I’m put in — Olympic team, Lakers, Heat, Cavs — to be dynamic. How can I always be a threat with the ball?”

LeBron James’ versatility bolsters red-hot Lakers as they face Mavericks, Anthony Davis returns

James went on to describe his versatility in head coach JJ Redick’s system.

“It goes without saying, I’m a Swiss army knife,” he said. “Whether it’s spotting and getting the ball from Luke or AR, setting up pick-and-rolls in transition, sliding them or slowing the game down in the half court to get post-up action … whatever the case may be. What JJ and the coaching staff have done so far with so many injuries is outstanding. But the question is shaping up offensively — how they want me to implement.”

James has had steady production since returning from a sciatic injury that delayed his season debut. Through three games, the 40-year-old averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists, five rebounds and one steal while shooting 48 percent from the field in 32 minutes per game. His last outing showed his all-around performance: 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block in The Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 135–118 in the NBA Finals.

The The Los Angeles Lakers enter Friday night’s NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks at 13–4, sits atop West Pool B with a 3–0 record and +36 point differential after earning a quarterfinal berth. The Cripto.com Arena meeting also has an added significance former Laker Anthony Davis played his first game in Los Angeles since trading last February. Davis, who missed nearly a month with a calf strain on Oct. 29, has officially been upgraded to availability.

Los Angeles continues to rely on its reintegrating trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James as it battles early season injuries. Redick’s club looks to extend its strong start and close out group play undefeated against a Mavericks team struggling for stability at 5-14.

For James, the formula remains simple – regardless of the role, regardless of the lineup, the goal remains the same: to win.