jL Opens Up on MOUZ Loan Spell: “It’s a Good Chance for Them to Try Me Out”

After months away from top-tier Counter-Strike, Justinas 'jL' Lekavicius has finally returned to the big stage — and he sees his temporary move to MOUZ as an important opportunity for both sides to evaluate whether a long-term partnership could work.

Speaking ahead of his debut event with MOUZ at PGL Astana 2026, the Lithuanian rifler explained that his current loan move from Natus Vincere is not only about helping the team in the short term, but also about proving himself again after a lengthy absence from elite competition.

jL emphasized that the arrangement benefits both parties equally. According to him, MOUZ have the chance to test how he fits into the lineup, while he can determine whether the environment and system suit his style. He admitted that if the chemistry is not there, the organization may decide not to pursue a permanent transfer — but added that even in that scenario, the stint still gives him valuable exposure and recent high-level matches for other teams to evaluate.

The 26-year-old also discussed the role adjustments inside the team following the arrival of both himself and Adrian 'xelex' Vincze. He revealed that MOUZ are currently trying to establish the best balance possible between players, with some positions still being refined. jL noted that he has taken on a more aggressive lurking style, while Lotan 'Spinx' Giladi has shifted closer to some of his previous responsibilities.

The changes come during a difficult period for MOUZ. The team spent much of the last year consistently reaching playoffs and deep tournament runs, but often failed to convert those appearances into trophies. More recently, their form declined noticeably, leading to roster experimentation and the temporary additions of jL and xelex. HLTV analysts and community discussions surrounding the move have largely focused on whether the new personalities can help refresh the atmosphere and fix some of the stagnation the squad reportedly experienced in recent months.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future, jL appears motivated by the opportunity. Earlier in 2026, he stated that he expected to return to professional play during the summer if everything developed correctly after his extended competitive break. Since then, he briefly appeared as a stand-in for Team Liquid before eventually landing the MOUZ loan move.

His return carries additional weight because of his reputation from previous seasons. jL remains one of the most recognizable riflers in Counter-Strike after winning a Major and earning a Major MVP during his time with NAVI. Even after stepping away from competition for months, interest around his comeback has remained high across the scene.

MOUZ already kicked off their campaign at PGL Astana with a 2-1 victory over Gentle Mates, giving fans an early glimpse of the revamped roster in action. While the team still appears to be adapting to its new structure, the debut offered encouraging signs, particularly regarding aggression and mid-round coordination.

For jL, however, the bigger objective extends beyond one tournament. The Lithuanian star is effectively auditioning for his long-term future in tier-one Counter-Strike — whether that future ultimately ends up being with MOUZ or somewhere else entirely.