LeBron James officially returns, sparking heated debate: Is Ayton the biggest beneficiary for the Lakers? Four major mysteries remain to be unveiled.

On November 20th Beijing time, LeBron made his comeback yesterday, starting his 23rd season, contributing 11 points and 12 assists in his return game. ESPN spoke with over ten Lakers insiders and external sources who noted that as LeBron recovers his rhythm, Ayton’s growth trajectory and his connection with the Lakers star are among the key follow-up effects to monitor.

LeBron’s comeback could bring multiple consequences. Will he continue performing at an elite lineup level, aiming for his fifth personal championship ring? Or does his sciatica indicate that this 40-year-old veteran’s body can no longer endure the grueling schedule?

Will he help stars like Doncic and Reeves elevate their games, or will he hinder the development of this duo? Observing Ayton’s impact might be the best entry point. The 2.13-meter big man previously reached a buyout deal with the Trail Blazers before joining the Lakers on a two-year, $16.2 million contract — a low-cost move that cost the Lakers no assets. Opinions within the league about his fit with LeBron vary sharply.

“After LeBron’s return, Ayton should be the biggest beneficiary,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN, pointing out that with LeBron, Doncic, and Reeves drawing defensive attention, Ayton will get more open looks. “LeBron always makes his teammates better; he’ll feed Ayton alley-oops and passes near the basket.”

However, a Western Conference executive was less optimistic. “I think Ayton might be the problem, at least it can be said that his basketball IQ isn’t high enough, and his inconsistent attitude is something LeBron usually can’t tolerate.”

LeBron and Ayton showed promising chemistry in the season opener. Against the backdrop of the Lakers’ strong early season performance, here are several key questions that the team and league insiders are focusing on regarding how the NBA’s all-time leading scorer reintegrates into the squad —

1. Can Doncic and Reeves maintain their hot streak?

“It’s challenging,” Bucks coach Rivers said last week. “Doncic and Reeves have developed good chemistry and are used to the current style of play, but now the team is adding another ball-dominant player who controls the game. Reeves will likely have to adjust the most. The third star role is always tough; even during the Big Three era, the third star had to make sacrifices. He must be the most selfless on the team, or the lineup won’t function.”

Creditably, since joining the Lakers as an undrafted rookie in 2021, Reeves has adapted to various lineup configurations. But this time, the situation is different — it involves a massive contract.

During the offseason, he turned down an $89 million extension and is expected to sign a max deal worth up to $241 million this summer. After LeBron’s first practice, Reeves praised his return enthusiastically.

“In my opinion, he’s the greatest player in basketball history,” Reeves said of LeBron. “His presence, ability to inspire the team, and basketball IQ will help us... It’s great to have him back.” Nevertheless, Reeves’ current season averages — 28.3 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, all career highs — will likely decline.

“I believe his usage rate will decrease,” an Eastern Conference executive commented on Reeves’ 30.2% usage rate, which is well above his career-best 23.7% last season.

How Reeves and Doncic readjust to coexisting with LeBron will set the tone for the entire team. “The most important thing is whether Reeves and Doncic can handle this properly,” a Lakers insider told ESPN. “If they manage it well, it becomes much easier for others to step up after LeBron’s return.”

After the first practice, LeBron also praised his two teammates’ performances so far: “I really like the team’s passing, and Doncic and Reeves’ leadership on the court has been outstanding.”

One notable statistic regarding Doncic and Reeves is their free throw attempts. Doncic averages 12.2 free throws per game, ranking first in the league; Reeves averages 9.5, ranking third.

With LeBron handling more of the ball, can they maintain such free throw rates? This matters because it brings many benefits: both players shoot around 80% from the line, making scoring easier; it puts opponents in foul trouble; and it provides brief rest opportunities during games.

The answer is likely no, but if such a sacrifice makes the game plan easier — for example, by giving them more open three-point chances (both are shooting below their career averages from beyond the arc early this season) — it might be worthwhile.

Especially if it helps Reeves and Doncic stay healthy throughout the long season. “It’s hard to sustain such physical strain over time,” a Western scout said, referring to Reeves’ heavy burden during LeBron’s absence.

However, in the game against the Jazz, Doncic (37 points, 13-for-16 free throws) and Reeves (26 points, 11-for-12 free throws) maintained efficient performances even with LeBron playing more of a facilitator role.

According to Genius IQ data, LeBron’s average ball possession time in his debut was only 2.46 seconds, the lowest since player tracking data was introduced in the 2013-14 season. His precise passing energized the Lakers’ offense, helping the team score its highest points this season. “He sees opportunities others don’t,” Doncic said after the game. “So his return is helping all of us.”

2. Is LeBron the player the Lakers need right now?

Although the Lakers have started this season well, their offense (ranked 16th) and defense (ranked 17th) are both middle of the pack in the league.

“We’ve won many games through willpower and found ways to win at key moments, but these wins aren’t pretty nor the result of a detailed plan,” a team insider told ESPN. “We want to be a process-oriented team... Looking at the data, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.”

LeBron possesses excellent basketball IQ, and his addition will undoubtedly help the team’s tactical system. “In terms of basketball intelligence, he’s still the smartest person I’ve ever encountered,” a senior Western executive told ESPN.

Additionally, the Lakers gained a physically imposing player — LeBron stands 2.06 meters tall and weighs 113 kilograms.

“He brings the team something we previously lacked: sufficient size and the power to attack the rim,” Lakers forward LaRavia told ESPN.

LeBron also offers Lakers coach Reddick new lineup options. “He can defend big men — if you put him on the floor with Hachimura and Doncic, although the lineup looks small, everyone actually has a size advantage, and with Reeves, who the fifth player is doesn’t really matter,” a Western scout said. “This lineup combines height and skill at almost every position.”

The team has also missed LeBron’s outside shooting. Over seven seasons with the Lakers, he has averaged 2.3 three-pointers made on 6.3 attempts per game, both franchise highs — which will surely improve the Lakers’ league-worst three-point shooting this season.

The Lakers’ three-point shooting percentage needs urgent improvement; currently, they rank 24th in the league at 33.8%. LeBron’s three-point percentage last season was 37.6%, and in 2023-24, he achieved a career-best 41%.

In the game against the Jazz, he made 2 of 3 three-pointers, surpassing Reggie Miller to move up to sixth on the NBA’s all-time three-point made list.

3. How will role players adjust?

If Doncic and Reeves reduce their shot attempts to accommodate LeBron, other players will inevitably receive fewer touches.

“If the team wins, whether players complain about fewer shot attempts says a lot,” a team insider told ESPN. “For role players, where do their shooting opportunities come from? Remember, LeBron takes about 15 shots per game.”

Of course, winning covers up internal team issues best. As a four-time champion and ten-time Finals participant, LeBron’s winner’s aura is deeply ingrained.

To win, he holds specific expectations for teammates, something he works on every season. This year, however, his start was later, and the team includes several young newcomers expected to play key roles.

“LaRavia is 24, Ayton is 26, no matter what others say, these players are still young,” a Western conference coach told ESPN.

LaRavia did not reach the playoffs in his first three seasons with the Grizzlies and Kings. What about now?

“With LeBron’s return, LaRavia is facing the most important games of his career, and he will play a key role,” a Western executive said. “This is completely different from before.”

In the game against the Jazz, LaRavia caught a pass from LeBron and hit his first transition wing three-pointer, finishing with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Ayton scored 20 points on 10-for-13 shooting, including an alley-oop assisted by LeBron.

“I shared a funny moment with him afterward,” Ayton said. “When he passed me that alley-oop, I told him, ‘That’s the second time you’ve thrown me an alley-oop; the first was when I was in eighth grade at your camp.’”

4. If necessary, how will LeBron adapt?

No player has competed in the NBA as long and maintained such a high level like LeBron, but even so, he now faces an unprecedented situation. In the past, when sidelined by injury for extended periods, he was still recognized as the best player in the league, and his teams often struggled without him.

But now, LeBron is no longer the best player on his own team, and the Lakers have performed well during his absence.

Since his rookie season with the Cavaliers, this may be the first time he faces such a scenario: the team’s success depends more on how well he fits with teammates than whether they adjust to him.

On this point, Reddick doesn’t see adjustment as a problem. “I think he adapts very well,” Reddick said. “Not only during my time coaching him, but throughout his career, he’s constantly adapted to systems, teammates, and game demands. The league evolves, and so does he. That’s why he’s still playing in his 23rd season and made an All-NBA team in his 22nd. I believe he’ll always find ways to adjust.”

LeBron may still perform at an All-Star level, but things have changed. “Remember, his son is also on this team,” a Western scout told ESPN. “Look at the Lakers’ roster; aside from Kleber and Smart, most players are closer in age to Bronny than to LeBron.”

The Lakers boast one of the league’s best backcourt duos, both stars in their twenties’ prime. The team’s defense is also improving; in the last game of a five-game road trip, they held the Giannis-led Bucks to just 34 points in the first half.

Nonetheless, to maximize success this season, LeBron may need to completely reshape his role just as the team has readjusted to welcoming him back.

“I can play with anyone,” LeBron said after his season debut. “I don’t even understand why anyone would ask that question. What are they thinking? I can stand shoulder to shoulder with any teammate.”