How LeBron James has reimagined his 17-year NBA career | NBA on ESPN

Name: How LeBron James has reimagined his 17-year NBA career | NBA on ESPN
Uploaded: 2026-05-27T09:41:23.017Z
Duration: 2 min 45 s
Channel: LeBron James
Description: Brian Windhorst details just how much LeBron James’ career has evolved throughout his 17-year career, including; his play-making responsibilities, playing with big men like Anthony Davis, his ability to play full-out more consistently, showing his defensive skills in the regular season and working in tandem with new Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

LeBron James

2 followers

May 27, 2026

Brian Windhorst details just how much LeBron James’ career has evolved throughout his 17-year career, including; his play-making responsibilities, playing with big men like Anthony Davis, his ability to play full-out more consistently, showing his defensive skills in the regular season and working in tandem with new Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

What we've seen this season is not the LeBron James we've come to know in recent years. The LeBron who told the world he wanted to limit his playmaking duties is gone. The LeBron who has been dominant as the Lakers full-time point guard while leading the NBA in assists is here. The LeBron who needed time to learn to play with star big men Chris Bosh and Kevin Love is gone. The LeBron with amazing instant chemistry with Anthony Davis is here. There's a block by Anthony Davis taken by LeBron ahead to AD. LeBron who started off seasons conserving his energy is gone. The LeBron who has gone full out since November leading the Lakers to end their six-year playoff drought is here. LeBron who saved his best defense for the playoffs is gone. The LeBron who made six all defensive teams from 2009 to 14 is here. I watched Blatt draw the play and go through the whole thing and then LeBron with a vigorous no head shake to be that dismissive of the coach definitely got my attention. The LeBron who struggled working with new coaches has happened with everyone from Team USA and Mike Krzyzewski to Miami and Eric Spolstra to LA and Luke Walton is gone. The LeBron who has shown support in Frank Vogel since the day he was hired even though he had hoped for Tyronn Lue instead is here. I felt that we would be extremely prepared just going against his uh Patriots team they were always one of our toughest opponents when I was in Miami. LeBron who missed out on the top five in MVP voting last season for the first time in 13 seasons is gone. The LeBron who is challenging Giannis Tenencampo is here. He's been at an MVP level I just feel like even in year 17 we continue to take LeBron James for granted. A refreshed and reimagined approach at age 35 has defined this season for James and the Lakers in many ways and the days of the Lakers as championship contenders are here. And now a huge weekend with matchups against their biggest competition for the title the Bucs Friday night and the Clippers on Sunday is here too.