LeBron James didn't have to do much in his return from an elbow injury on Thursday, as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves scored as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls, 142-130, at Crypto.com Arena.
James had missed his last three games, all of which the Lakers won, with Doncic and Reaves out.
Against the Bulls, Doncic went on nuclear attack with a season-high 51 points on 17-of-31 shooting, including 9-of-14 from three-point distance. He also had 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Reeves was also special with 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting, five rebounds and seven assists.
According to Benjamin Royer of the OC Register, Lakers coach JJ Redick has discussed with James about allowing Doncic and Reaves to do their thing.
“I think, again, he wants to do everything he can to help his team win, and he understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can perform at their best,” Redick said.
James finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals as the Purple and Gold won their fourth straight game and improved to 41–25.
The 41-year-old James has always been a team player, and he understands there are games when he has to outplay Doncic and Reeves, especially when the matchups and schemes dictate it.
The four-time MVP has often praised the talent of Doncic and Reeves, empowering them to take charge when needed. Redick also praised him, giving the backcourt duo extra confidence.
Reeves, in particular, missed several weeks with a calf injury, so it's good to see him recapture his old form and give the Lakers more firepower.
They will face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
