How LeBron James is making things ‘easier’ for LA Lakers as compared to Durant’s role for Rockets

The observation points to how LeBron’s positioning naturally creates easier reads and cleaner looks for his teammates.

Instead of initiating everything from the perimeter, he is operating in areas where defenses are forced into more difficult decisions.

Isaiah Thomas highlights the key difference in the Lakers vs. the Rockets setup

That breakdown drew a response from Isaiah Thomas on X, who expanded on why the gap feels even wider.

“No PG to make these easier for KD. The Lakers got Bron as their PG, so nothing changed for him. He makes things easier for everybody else,” the former NBA star said.

He added, “Now, how are the Lakers guarding KD? They [are] living with whatever else anybody other than KD does miss or make.”

Thomas’ point shifts the focus from positioning to structure, highlighting how the Lakers’ offense is built around LeBron’s playmaking, while Durant is being asked to operate without that same level of support.

It also explains the defensive approach, with Los Angeles prioritizing limiting Durant and forcing the rest of the Rockets to decide the outcome.

Combined, both perspectives underline the same theme. LeBron is not just producing; he is shaping the entire flow of the game in a way that simplifies everything around him.

The result? The Lakers already have a 2-0 cushion ahead of Game 3 in Houston, even with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injuries.

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