LeBron James’ adaptability a key in victory over the Bulls

Nearly three hours later, the game was fresh in coach JJ Redick’s mind. The way the Lakers started their victory against the Chicago Bulls seemed to be the key to success.

The Lakers executed a set move on the opening play Thursday, and using a Deandre Ayton screen, Luka Doncic found LeBron James in the corner. Ayton rolled toward the basket. James then made an additional pass. Austin Reaves splashed a three.

Working in unison, the Lakers showed all the elements they spent the season looking for: Doncic propelling the offense, Reaves finishing it, Ayton’s engine and, at center, James’ unselfishness.

With one month left in the regular season, James is willing to continue sacrificing for the Lakers if it means they can move closer to the Western Conference playoff race.

“I know what I’m still capable of doing as an individual,” James said after scoring 18 points with seven rebounds and seven assists against the Bulls in his first game back after a three-game absence. “But what’s important for this team, I’m able to adapt to what’s important for this team. And that’s the only thing that matters. And winning is the only thing that matters.”

The Lakers (41-25) have won seven of their last eight games, moving from sixth place in the West to third place heading into Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. game against Denver (41-26). Crypto.com Arena. The critical conference matchup will decide the tiebreaker between teams separated by a half-game in the standings.

In the week since their last loss to the Nuggets on March 5, the Lakers have reaffirmed their place in the playoff conversation despite James’ absence. He injured his elbow and hip late in Denver’s loss in a hard fall. But the Lakers didn’t seem to miss the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

They started this five-game homestand with three convincing wins without James, including two of the most significant of the season. Back-to-back wins over New York and Minnesota, teams with records above .600, made the Lakers feel like they were peaking at the right time.

Putting James, Reaves and Doncic on the court together this season hasn’t been smooth. The Lakers are 12-7 in games where all three play together. They are 22-9 in games with just Reaves and Doncic.

Doncic, who scored 51 points Thursday, leads the NBA with 32.9 points per game and, despite a calf injury that kept him sidelined for more than a month, Reaves is in the midst of a career season with 23.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. James, averaging 21.4 points and seven assists, has a career-low usage rate.

Lakers forward LeBron James, top, hangs on the rim as he passes the ball past three Bulls defenders.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

While James was out last week, he and Redick discussed in more detail the approach needed for the team to continue its recent success upon his return.

“He understands how important it is for Luka and AR to have time on the ball,” Redick said. “What’s realistic is that when they’re on the pitch together, it’s going to cost him time on the ball.”

James didn’t make a shot in the first quarter against the Bulls. He didn’t score his first points until 54 seconds remained in the second quarter. But he had three assists in the first half before he and Doncic combined for 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting in the third quarter. James went a perfect 5-of-5 from the field in the third quarter, then Reaves took over in the fourth, scoring 13 of his 30 points in the final quarter to eclipse 5,000 points in his career.

The trio had a plus-25 rating from the field against the Bulls, tied with Doncic, Reaves and Rui Hachimura for the best plus-minus rating of any three-way combination in the game.

“He’s one of the smartest guys to ever play the game of basketball,” Reaves said of James. “So his ability to adapt and understand what the game needs is second to none. … When you have a player of that stature who is willing to play the way the game needs him, it shows how selfless he is.”

The Lakers needed all of James’ versatility with backup big men Jaxson Hayes (back pain) and Maxi Kleber (back pain) sidelined. Hayes received back imaging Thursday, but Redick did not have the results before the game. Redick expects Kleber to “be out for a little while” after a previous back injury resurfaced. Guard Marcus Smart, who missed Thursday’s game with a hip injury that has persisted for several games, could return Saturday, Redick said.

James acknowledged that he should set more screens, be more active on the glass and drive to the basket more with the frontcourt shorthanded. Smart’s tenacity was a key ingredient in the defensive effort that shut down the Knicks and Timberwolves, and James, revered by coaches and teammates for his defensive communication, also stepped up to anchor the defense.

He and Doncic each had a block against the Bulls and combined for five of the Lakers’ nine steals.

“Greatness fits everything,” Ayton said. “It’s LeBron James.”