Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick won’t have LeBron James defending at the point of attack, but he will use the GOAT's communication and rotations to boost the team’s defense. They started 10-4 without LeBron, despite being 15th in defensive rating. King James made an immediate impact in his return, and may be LA’s only hope of turning into a top ten defense.
Everyone is excited to have LeBron back. The 40-year-old was second-team All-NBA last season and remains elite. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and the Lakers need LeBron to play like a superstar to make a deep playoff run.