Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James sits on the bench
Getty
Los Angeles, CA - November 02: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
At 6-2 so far on the season, the Los Angeles Lakers look like one of the best teams in the NBA, and have done it entirely without LeBron James and partially without Luka Doncic.
Austin Reaves has played like an All-Star, both as the chief option and as a supporting player. As a result, the Lakers seem to be ahead of schedule.
With their James-less success, the Lakers have been urged by some not to mess with a good thing. Sounder minds will tell you that James is one of the most versatile players in NBA history and should be able to slot into the lineup, regardless of what the Lakers ask from him.
When the Lakers kicked off their season on a high note, James was accused of looking disengaged and negative on the bench. As the wins pile up, he seems more and more bought in.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Dalton Knecht #4, LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up before a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 111-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
How Los Angeles Lakers Won Over LeBron James
In the past, a “checked out” James has been detrimental to teams. As the Lakers thrived without him, making him somewhat redundant, there were concerns that he would force his way out.
As winning feels more and more sustainable, however, James appears to be the team’s top cheerleader. Not only are Reaves and Doncic stuffing the statsheet, but the Lakers are playing winning basketball. They rank 16th in defense, which isn’t elite, but is solid, especially without James.
“He was into it,” said ESPN’s Tim Legler on the All-NBA Podcast’s November 3rd episode. “He had some adrenaline to him in street clothes last couple of games. So he’s liking a little bit more of what he’s seeing. I think early it was so Luka-centric that they were not very good defensively, and I think LeBron was kind of irritated by that. Like, ‘Man, if we keep this up, we’re not going anywhere.’ I think he feels now the tandem of Austin Reaves and Luka has been able to help generate wins.Their defense has been more competitive, certainly playing harder.”
With a better defense and plenty of scoring options, the Lakers look the part of frontrunners, giving James plenty of reason to be excited.
However, one big question remains: how does he fit on the roster once he returns from injury?
How Lakers Will Add LeBron James to the Lineup
Based on the Lakers’ success without James, it seems like he should be willing to slot into the third option role. Fans are yet to see James play this season, and there’s a very real chance that he’s still a better player than Reaves.
James could also take on a more aggressive defensive role, or he could play off-ball. However, the Lakers have found success with two dominant scorers and have been urged to stagger the lineups so two of the three are always playing.
“What’s going to look like when he comes back for Austin Reaves?” asked Legler. “Obviously, you can’t have quite the same usage.But here’s what I do think will happen, and I think it should happen if JJ Redick has three guys like this: at no point should you ever have less than two on the court.”
By staggering the stars, one will always be fresh, and there won’t be concerns about too many cooks in the kitchen. The Lakers look like an excellent team, and have a GOAT sitting on their bench. That alone should be scary for the rest of the NBA.