LeBron James confirms that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the Lakers' closers

The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a seismic shift in the 2025-26 NBA season. Head coach JJ Redick knows that LeBron James is still a magnificent player, but the truth is, he is older and not as effective as before.

He can still have awesome performances as he did against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. However, he will not be able to do that as consistently as he would want. That has led the team to consider Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the best duo on the roster.

LeBron shows his belief in Doncic and Reaves as a duo

The Lakers won the game on the back of another 40-point night from Doncic. Of course, LeBron had a stellar night, only missing one of his field goal attempts en route to a 30-point game. However, he does believe that it is one of the rare nights he can be on the same level as Doncic and Reaves.

That is a huge compliment for the Lakers' guards because LeBron is willing to concede his role as the superstar. Doncic and Reaves have done well this season, as they are two of the league's best guards. However, they have not been as consistently healthy as they would prefer.

MORE: LeBron James might be better off as a third option, according to JJ Redick

Coach Redick believes that the Lakers have a deep team. They have players who can be considered stars with Doncic, Reaves, and James. However, he wants a more structured trio, which includes James as the third fiddle. It might be a tough pill to swallow for some, but LeBron seems willing to embrace it.

"We have guys who have been in big games before. AR and Luka are two of our closers, and we just all try and sprinkle in, and do what we need to do defensively to help those guys out," LeBron said after the Lakers' big win against the Rockets on Wednesday.

With that kind of belief James has for his teammates, it is hard to argue against what Redick wants. LeBron has bought into the system, and that is a dangerous precedent for the rest of the league because the Lakers have continued to find their stride with this current winning streak.

More NBA news: 

• Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves continue do amaze everyone as a duo with the Lakers
• Luka Doncic identifies the Los Angeles Lakers' difference amid recent success
• LeBron James should have a major role switch according to Luka Doncic
• JJ Redick believes that Luka Doncic should be given more appreciation as a superstar
• Austin Reaves continues to emerge as a star with a new record only equalled by George Mikan