JJ Redick says conversation with LeBron James has improved his energy, leadership

After LeBron James missed a few games and had a candid talk with coach JJ Redick, he’s returned better than ever for the Lakers.

The Lakers have won four of their past five games with their most recent victory being against their California rivals, the Golden State Warriors, on Christmas Day.

There are many reasons why L.A. has played so well recently, but one player who has stepped up his game is LeBron James.

Since returning from left foot soreness, James has played more like the old LeBron than an old LeBron. He's been mentally sharp, defensively engaged and seems to have a spring to his step offensively.

After the Christmas win, Lakers coach JJ Redick discussed a conversation he had with LeBron that helped catapult James' return to form.

"The rest was part of it," Redick said. Whether he will admit this or not, and he and I have talked about it subsequently, we had a long conversation in Miami. I think since that morning, just the way he's played, energy-wise, leadership-wise – I mean he was great tonight in the huddles – it's been, and I'm not going to say it was bad to start the year, but it's been awesome. It's been different. I think part of that is him just enjoying the moment. You don't have many of these left. That's just reality. The joy that I've seen day-to-day, it's been awesome."

Since returning from his two-game absence, LeBron has averaged 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. His points are slightly up from his season averages, but what has stood out is his defensive play.

The chase-down blocks are back, he's moving much quicker, getting out in transition more, and working harder defensively. Suddenly, LeBron is back to closing out on shooters and being more aggressive with his one-on-one matchups.

With LeBron at this level, the team's ceiling rises just a bit more, and it's why they are now the sixth seed in the West and just a half-game from the fifth-seed Clippers.

LeBron playing at this level is no surprise. He's been a superstar for decades now and is experiencing the most gradual decline in performance in NBA history.

Still, even the stars need to be coached, encouraged and rested. It sounds like LeBron has received a healthy helping of all three and the Lakers are reaping the benefits. May this continue for the rest of the season.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.