LeBron James has missed the last two games due to elbow and foot injuries and is still questionable to play for the LA Lakers’ next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Interestingly, the team has won both games in the absence of the 4-time NBA champion. Now, James’ former teammate, Danny Green, and his crew on the No Fouls Given podcast talked about the Lakers’ situation.
Talking on the latest episode of the podcast, the former teammate of LeBron James and the former Laker said:
“I don’t think they’re better without them. They played pretty good today (against the Knicks). Knicks didn’t play great. You’re way deeper team with LeBron James, you can bring like a Rui Hachimura off the bench, that makes you deeper. So yeah, they’re not better without them.”
However, co-host and former NBA player Paul Pierce did not agree with Green’s opinion. He stated that Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ playing style was too repetitive with each other, as both are on-ball players known for creating their shots and keeping the team involved.
Talking about King James’ defensive woes, the former Boston Celtics legend said:
“Being the liability on defense at the age of 41, it’s just is what it is and it is not taking away from LeBron’s greatness. You have to have certain team built around Luka and LeBron doesn’t fit that mold.”
LeBron James was out of the rotation at the beginning of the season due to sciatica, and Doncic and Austin Reaves played well together during that time. And the back-to-back wins without him have now even reinstated Pierce’s notion.
Are the Lakers better off without LeBron James?
The Lakers have a 13-7 record without LeBron James this season. The Austin Reaves-LeBron James duo has performed well together on the court. They are one of the highest-scoring duos in the league.
Even though James’ production has been decent, averaging 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and seven assists, the team has somehow not seamlessly performed with him on the roster. Doncic has handled scoring for the team, leading the league in points per game.
Maybe because of the on-court chemistry or the ability to play off each other, Reaves and Doncic have looked better that Doncic and James combo. Would this mean the Lakers are better without the all-time scoring leader?
READ MORE: Lakers Fans Divided After Luka Doncic Again Goes Nuclear Without LeBron James
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