During the Lakers’ long East Coast road trip — passing through Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee before returning home — Deandre Ayton developed a new postgame ritual.

As soon as each game ended, Ayton would grab his phone in the locker room and find a message from LeBron James in the team group chat.

“He’s always supporting us, showing that he’s following everything,” Ayton said. “Even after losses, he sends words of encouragement and advice. It’s impossible not to appreciate that.”

Now, LeBron’s guidance will return in person.

On Monday, 201 days after Game 5 of the series against Minnesota, LeBron resumed full 5-on-5 practices. He missed all of training camp, the preseason, and the team’s first 14 games due to sciatica, which caused lower-back and right-leg pain.

Even without their star, the team started strong: 10 wins and 4 losses, with Ayton as one of the pillars. The former No. 1 pick is averaging 16.2 points (an impressive 69.2% from the field) and 8.4 rebounds. He arrived to fill the void left by Anthony Davis after the trade for Luka Doncic at the last deadline.

ESPN spoke with more than ten people inside and outside the franchise. Ayton’s evolution and chemistry with LeBron is just one factor being watched with the veteran’s return.

LeBron begins his 23rd season with major questions:

– Will he maintain an All-NBA level and chase his fifth title?
– Or was the sciatica a sign that his 40-year-old body may not handle the pace?
– Will he elevate Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, or restrict their growth?

Ayton: who stands to gain most from LeBron

Ayton arrived on a two-year, $16.2 million contract — considered a bargain since no trade was needed. But his fit alongside LeBron divides opinions.

“He has everything to be the biggest beneficiary of LeBron’s return,” said an Eastern Conference executive. “With the attention LeBron, Luka, and Reaves draw, Ayton will get easy looks in the paint all night long.”

A Western Conference executive, however, was harsher:

“I’m not sure it will work. He’s not that smart of a player, and his inconsistent effort could irritate LeBron.”

In James’ return game against the Utah Jazz — 11 points, 12 assists, and solid chemistry with Ayton — the center scored 20 points and even received an alley-oop from the veteran.

1. Will Doncic and Reaves maintain their pace?

The chemistry between Luka and Reaves has been one of the keys to the team’s hot start. With LeBron back, Doc Rivers warned:

“When two guys are already used to playing a certain way, it’s complicated to insert another player who needs the ball.”

Reaves, who declined an $89 million extension and could seek up to $241 million next summer, praised the return:

“To me, he’s the greatest of all time. Just his presence elevates the team.”

But his numbers — 28.3 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds — are expected to drop.

Luka and Reaves lead the NBA in free throws per game. That volume will likely decrease with LeBron initiating more offense, but it could reduce wear and tear on both — a welcome change for a long season.

2. Is LeBron exactly what this team needs?

Despite the strong record, the Lakers have been only average on offense and defense. An internal executive said:

“We’re winning, but the process isn’t where it should be yet. We need to improve a lot.”

LeBron’s intelligence, his size (6'9", 250 lbs), and his playmaking ability bring possibilities the team didn’t previously have.

His three-point shooting is also missed: he is the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and attempted. The team ranks last in the league in threes made to start the season.

3. How will the supporting cast react?

With LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves sharing the ball, the rest of the roster will have fewer opportunities.

“This will reveal who truly prioritizes winning,” said an internal source.

Ayton and Jake LaRavia, young players with growing roles, will need to adapt quickly to LeBron’s standards and expectations.

Both showed positive signs in his return game: LaRavia scored 16 points; Ayton hit 10 of 13 shots.

4. Will it be LeBron who has to adapt?

For the first time since he was a rookie in Cleveland, LeBron may not be the team’s number-one player.

The Lakers have one of the best young backcourt duos in the NBA. They have a growing defensive identity. And they have a much younger roster — some players are nearly his son’s age.

Even so, Redick believes LeBron will adjust without issue:

“He always adapts. He’s done it throughout his entire career.”

LeBron himself made it clear:

“I can fit with anyone. I don’t know why that’s even questioned.”