For most NBA fans, it once seemed unimaginable to see a LeBron James team step onto the court with confidence if he wasn't playing. But during the 2025-26 season, that narrative appears to be changing. With the four-time MVP sidelined, the young backcourt duo of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic has stepped up to lead the Purple and Gold.
As a result, some fans have begun to speculate whether the team is better off without the 41-year-old forward. It seems Nick Young has joined this bandwagon, suggesting that the Lakers appear to play a more free-flowing style of basketball when LBJ is not on the court.
When AR, LBJ and Doncic all joined forces on the Lakers roster, expectations were sky-high. Many believed the trio would make the Purple and Gold nearly unstoppable. But injuries often kept one of them out of the lineup, meaning they rarely had enough time together to build chemistry.
As a result, whenever the three shared the court, their play looked out of sync.
Interestingly, the Lakers have posted an 8-2 record with Reaves and Doncic on the court, without King James, maintaining a net rating of +13.31, suggesting their roles are more defined in LeBron's absence.
Young used these numbers to support his view, suggesting that it might eventually be time for James to consider moving on if the team continues to function effectively without him.
"I think they are a better team without LeBron. I just think one of them has to go. There's just no confusion about where the ball goes. I think with Lebron on the floor, they got to feed The King," Young said . "One of them has to go - AR or LeBron."
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Of course, there is no denying that Doncic and Reaves are capable of recording double-doubles and dropping 30-point games to secure wins at will. Still, saying that the Lakers are better without someone like LeBron sounds bizarre.
The 22-time All-Star knows how to elevate his performance when the pressure is at its highest, especially when the odds are stacked against the Lakers. So, even if some believe his presence doesn't add much value right now, his effort and leadership on both ends of the court could become vital when the postseason begins.
Lastly, while the common consensus might feel like the Lakers are better without LBJ, fans should not forget that James has willingly taken a backseat to let young guns lead the charge in L.A.
"To ask a guy that was face of the NBA for 20 years, 'Hey, we not only need you to be off the ball with Luka [Doncic], but Austin Reaves as well.' That's a big ask," Cowherd said . "I don't think Michael Jordan would've done that. I don't think most all-time players are going to do that.
That sacrifice may not always show up in the box score, but it has clearly helped turn Doncic and Reaves into one of the league's most dangerous backcourts.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
