Former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell has raised concerns about the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly regarding LeBron James, whom he claims is suffering from “main character syndrome.” As the league’s oldest player at 41, LeBron continues to perform at a high level; however, Mitchell asserts that he is no longer the primary player on the team.
According to Mitchell, LeBron needs to acknowledge that he is now a third option on the Lakers, emphasizing that even if he were to join another team such as the Washington Wizards, he would not automatically be the top choice. Mitchell insists this shift in perception has yet to register with LeBron.
The Lakers began the season strong, winning 10 of their first 14 games while LeBron battled a sciatica injury. During this time, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic formed the highest-scoring backcourt in the NBA. While Luka remains a leading scorer, Reaves’ contributions have notably diminished since LeBron’s return. Reaves started the season averaging impressive numbers, including 32.0 points in October, but his scoring average has fallen to just 21.6 points per game recently. This decline coincides with a reduction in his field goal attempts, further underlining the impact of LeBron’s reintegration into the lineup.
In addition to his remarks about LeBron, Mitchell criticized Luka Doncic’s style of play, suggesting that the Dallas Mavericks star struggles to contribute effectively without the ball in his hands. He argues that this mindset hinders team dynamics and plays a role in the Lakers’ current struggles. Mitchell pointed out that both LeBron and Reaves require the ball to be effective, which complicates team cohesion.
Mitchell contrasted this with Steph Curry, whom he praised for his ability to enhance his teammates’ performance through selfless play, stressing the importance of movement and unselfishness on the court. As the Lakers navigate these challenges, the team is at a crossroads, and it remains to be seen if an upcoming meeting with team leaders can address these pressing issues concerning their dual stars.