When the basketball world watched LeBron James dominate the last regular-season campaign and continue to do so in the playoffs, many thought Father Time stood no chance against the King. However, after James missed 14 games this season due to sciatica and returned looking, well, a bit rusty, many started wondering if this is finally the beginning of the end of his reign. Comments quickly poured in, and his former teammate turned analyst, Shaquille O'Neal , knows all too well how it looks when a player's career starts approaching its final chapters. Still, Shaq believes LeBron is more than capable of adapting to this, for him, unusual role.
"Man, I don't wanna be the one to say LeBron is a complementary player. It's just that I think LeBron knows and understands that at some point, this thing comes to an end. And LeBron has always been a team guy first, so, you know, right now he's integrated," Shaq pointed out in his recent appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show."
The words " LeBron James " and "complementary player" were never supposed to exist in the same sentence. For two decades, James was the system, and everyone gravitated towards him. However, it seems that this is the new reality for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. This season marks the first time in his legendary career where he can actually take a step back and ride the bus, courtesy of his younger and more potent teammates.
Luka Doncic , in particular, continues to carry the torch for the Purple and Gold. It has been more of the same for the Slovenian superstar, who is averaging 34.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists, firmly establishing himself as the league's most dominant offensive force. With this version of Luka, LeBron could comfortably slide into the third scoring option on JJ Redick 's squad. But there is more.
Austin Reaves has taken a massive leap this season and looked like a legitimate All-Star for long stretches. In periods when both Luka and LeBron were unavailable, AR put the Lakers on his back and dragged them to several wins. All of that made Shaq believe that the transition LeBron is going through is not only natural but necessary.
"Listen, Austin Reaves is playing lights out. Luka is the leading scorer in the NBA, he's playing lights out. I mean, LeBron is smart enough to know to let these guys cook… I'm not gonna be the guy to say, 'LeBron, you need to be a complementary player.' LeBron knows and understands how to win, knows and understands how to run a team. And all the greats come to this point," the legendary big man reiterated.
At this pace, James will be able to carefully time his form for the only part of the season that truly matters. The playoffs. The Lakers look really good at the moment and sit third in a tightly contested Western Conference with an 18–7 record. Sure, LeBron may never again be the player we grew accustomed to over the past two decades, but this is the natural path of every great career. And just because The Chosen One managed to outrun the test of time for so long does not mean it was ever untouchable.
At the end of the day, LeBron is hunting for ring No. 5. And if that means winning it as a complementary piece to Luka and Austin, then so be it. However, one should be on a lookout, because if history has taught us anything, it is that King James usually finds a way to turn back the clock at least one more time when it matters the most.
Related: Rashad McCants urges JJ Redick to publicly challenge Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves on defense
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
