LeBron James led the NBA in assists this season before the hiatus, averaging a career-high 10.5 assists per contest. And a significant part of his prolific assist numbers has been the lob, utilizing the dunking talents of Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee.
Only Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie had more assists on lob plays, according to research from HoopsHype’s Bryan Kalbrosky related to reports that Rudy Gobert has often worn on his teammates due to complaints he doesn’t get enough lobs from Donovan Mitchell. LeBron’s work has mostly been with Anthony Davis, with 34 lobs together, but he’s also delivered over 20 lobs each to McGee and Howard, who have alternated at the center spot for most of the season.
While James has always been an excellent passer, he’s taken it upon himself to play a more traditional point guard role. He has still been a great scorer as well, averaging almost 26 points per game, but his playmaking and ability to set up others has been a crucial part of the Lakers’ success this season. And if the Lakers are to have success in the postseason, he will need to keep doing it, especially in light of the injury to Rajon Rondo.