Are The Los Angeles Lakers Better Off Without LeBron James? Skip Bayless Weighs In

Even without superstar LeBron James in the lineup, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out a close win against the Milwaukee Bucks, taking the game 123-122. D’Angelo Russell stepped up big for the Lakers, putting up 44 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists while shooting 68% from the field.

This big win has now ignited a surprising narrative. While most fans believe the Lakers’ success depends on LeBron’s availability, their record of 5-4 without him this season, including big wins over the Celtics and Bucks, has people wondering whether the Lakers play better without the 39-year-old superstar.

One voice in this discussion is renowned NBA analyst and long-time LeBron critic Skip Bayless. After seeing the Lakers win and Russell go off for 44 points, Bayless suggests that the team might be playing with more intensity and freedom without LeBron on the court.

“I am not remotely suggesting the Lakers are better without LeBron. But they play more freely, with more spirit, more fire without him — probably because they all believe they have to do more and there’s no deferring to LeBron. DiLo had a rare green light tonight.”

I am not remotely suggesting the Lakers are better without LeBron. But they play more freely, with more spirit, more fire without him — probably because they all believe they have to do more and there’s no deferring to LeBron. DiLo had a rare green light tonight.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 9, 2024