Reaves: LeBron James' Return Makes Lakers Luka-Busters

Merlin sees Austin Reaves buzzing about LeBron James’ imminent return — James practiced Monday after missing training camp, the preseason and the regular season with sciatica. Reaves argued “I think everybody blitzes Luka now,” and that defensive blitzes could make LeBron especially dangerous as a short roller or a high-quad second man; his IQ and leadership would also ease pressure on a 10–4 Lakers group already playing well without him. Merlin senses chess pieces shifting: a healthy 41-year-old LeBron can morph the Lakers’ offense into something opponents haven’t fully planned for — more short rolls, cleaner reads for young wings, and late-game gravity that changes matchups. Still, the true magic rests in his body; availability will write the rest of this story.