ESPN Analyst Claims Lakers Are Better Without LeBron James

Analyst says the Lakers are "a really good team" when LeBron James doesn't play and Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves do.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst made a bold claim that the Los Angeles Lakers are a better team when LeBron James doesn't play, and instead Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are on the floor together. Windhorst cited the Lakers' improved defensive and offensive numbers when the duo of Doncic and Reaves play without James.

Why it matters

This analysis challenges the conventional wisdom that the Lakers are heavily reliant on LeBron James. If true, it could signal a shift in the team's future plans and the potential end of the LeBron era in Los Angeles, with Doncic and Reaves emerging as the new cornerstones.

The details

In the Lakers' recent 110-97 win over the New York Knicks, James was ruled out due to elbow pain. Doncic and Reaves stepped up, with Doncic scoring 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Reaves added 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. The duo also contributed defensively, combining for 5 steals and helping hold the Knicks to under 100 points.

  • The Lakers picked up the win over the Knicks on March 9, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A veteran NBA superstar who has been the centerpiece of the Lakers' roster in recent years.

Luka Doncic

A rising NBA star who was recently acquired by the Lakers and has emerged as a key part of the team's future.

Austin Reaves

A young Lakers guard who has become a valuable backcourt partner for Doncic and is expected to receive a significant raise this offseason.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN NBA analyst who made the bold claim that the Lakers are better without LeBron James on the floor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now this is not a commentary on LeBron, but when LeBron doesn't play, and Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić do, the Lakers are a better team.”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Analyst (ESPN)

“The numbers say that when Luka and Reaves play together, the Lakers are a really good team. They're better defensively, and they're better offensively.”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lakers will need to carefully consider their roster decisions this offseason, as the potential emergence of Doncic and Reaves as the team's new cornerstones could signal the end of the LeBron James era in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

This analysis challenges the conventional wisdom that the Lakers are heavily reliant on LeBron James, suggesting that the team may be better off with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way. It raises questions about the future of the Lakers' roster and the potential end of the LeBron era in Los Angeles.