"There's not one team in the world that I can't fit in" - LeBron James pushes back on claims his return will ruin the Lakers
LeBron James has never been shy about his belief in his own game, and on Monday he made it crystal clear he’s not buying the idea that his return will derail the Los Angeles Lakers.
“There’s not one team in the world that I can’t fit in,” James said, pushing back on a growing narrative that the Lakers might be better off leaning into youth, pace and a more egalitarian offense without him dominating possessions. “Basketball is basketball. I know how to adapt. I’ve been doing it my whole career.”
The conversation has intensified after stretches in which the Lakers have looked freer and faster with Anthony Davis as the focal point and role players getting more touches. Critics argue that James’ on-ball style, even at an elite level, can slow tempo and stunt development for younger teammates.
James, entering Year 22, dismissed that premise, pointing to his track record of molding his game around different rosters and stars.
“I’ve played with scoring guards, non-shooting bigs, ball-dominant wings, young guys, vets. We’ve won with all of it,” he said. “If you understand the game, you can fit anywhere.”
His point isn’t without evidence. In Miami, James thrived alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, shifting from pure on-ball creator to devastating off-ball cutter and small-ball four. In Cleveland, he toggled between initiator and finisher next to Kyrie Irving. In Los Angeles, he’s already transitioned from high-flying slasher to one of the league’s most prolific pick-and-roll quarterbacks and post hubs.
The real question for the Lakers is not whether James can fit, but how aggressively they’re willing to modernize around a 40-year-old superstar. That means more shooting, more defensive length and a system that doesn’t require James to carry every possession.
For his part, James insists he’s ready to do whatever that system demands.
“I’m going to play the right way,” he said. “If that means I’m handling, cool. If that means I’m screening, cutting, spacing, cool. I just want to win. That’s always been the only agenda.”
“There’s not one team in the world that I can’t fit in,” James said, pushing back on a growing narrative that the Lakers might be better off leaning into youth, pace and a more egalitarian offense without him dominating possessions. “Basketball is basketball. I know how to adapt. I’ve been doing it my whole career.”
The conversation has intensified after stretches in which the Lakers have looked freer and faster with Anthony Davis as the focal point and role players getting more touches. Critics argue that James’ on-ball style, even at an elite level, can slow tempo and stunt development for younger teammates.
James, entering Year 22, dismissed that premise, pointing to his track record of molding his game around different rosters and stars.
“I’ve played with scoring guards, non-shooting bigs, ball-dominant wings, young guys, vets. We’ve won with all of it,” he said. “If you understand the game, you can fit anywhere.”
His point isn’t without evidence. In Miami, James thrived alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, shifting from pure on-ball creator to devastating off-ball cutter and small-ball four. In Cleveland, he toggled between initiator and finisher next to Kyrie Irving. In Los Angeles, he’s already transitioned from high-flying slasher to one of the league’s most prolific pick-and-roll quarterbacks and post hubs.
The real question for the Lakers is not whether James can fit, but how aggressively they’re willing to modernize around a 40-year-old superstar. That means more shooting, more defensive length and a system that doesn’t require James to carry every possession.
For his part, James insists he’s ready to do whatever that system demands.
“I’m going to play the right way,” he said. “If that means I’m handling, cool. If that means I’m screening, cutting, spacing, cool. I just want to win. That’s always been the only agenda.”
