Former NBA Coach Gives Brutal Reality Check to LeBron James With Bold "3rd Option" Statement

On Saturday’s episode of the SiriusXM NBA, former coach Sam Mitchell weighed in on LeBron James and the LA Lakers’ recent struggles. After a 15-4 record heading into December, the Lakers are 4-6 this month. They are on a three-game losing slump, which included a 119-96 humiliating defeat to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day.

Mitchell tossed in his thoughts about the four-time MVP's role with the Lakers (via NBA Central):

“This is what LeBron doesn’t understand. It hasn’t sunk in. Whatever team you go to, you’re the 3rd option. You’re not going to a team when you’re the 1st option anymore. If you went to the Washington Wizards, you would still not be the No. 1 option.”

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The Lakers own a 10-4 record with LeBron James sidelined and are 8-5 when he plays. He played behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in November, averaging 16.5 points and 8.3 assists per game during that month.

In December, his scoring improved to 21.9 ppg, but his dimes dropped to 6.2 apg. His field goal attempts increased from 13.3 per game to 16.3, proof that he’s a little more aggressive in looking for his shots.

LeBron James, though, remains largely the second or third option on offense, depending on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ presence.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said on Saturday that the Lakers have struggled since James’ return. Redick noted that there has been a lack of “role clarity,” a reason for the team’s “random possessions” that led to their struggles.

Sam Mitchell clearly doesn’t want LeBron James to be the focal point of the offense. Redick, after an “uncomfortable” Saturday practice, has likely made his players’ roles more definitive, particularly with Austin Reaves (calf) out for about a month.

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NBA insider urges Lakers to overhaul in offseason without LeBron James

Multiple NBA analysts want the Lakers to reinforce the roster by trading LeBron James. The four-time NBA champ, though, has a no-trade clause, giving him leverage in trade talks. James’ $52.6 million salary this season is another reason teams have been reportedly hesitant to inquire about the possibility of a trade.

On Saturday, ESPN’s salary cap guru Bobby Marks shared his thoughts on SiriusXM NBA about what the Lakers should do:

“(Lakers) are kind of in a similar situation as Golden State. The (championship) window has basically closed on those teams. It’s the hard reality. What do you do? … Do you just let nature take its course? … You regroup in the offseason, try to reload a roster that doesn’t have LeBron (James) on it.”

The Lakers did not give James an extension in the offseason, making Marks’ scenario likely.

Edited by Michael Macasero