Brian Windhorst Calls The Lakers A Bad Team With Their Top Three Players Healthy

Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, giving them a franchise star for what they hope to be many years to come after signing him to an extension this past summer. However, there was one major issue to work with, and that is that the biggest star of the past Lakers generation in LeBrom James is still around, with many seeing that duo as not the ideal fit for one another.

In 2025/26, that has clearly been evident, as this team has struggled to find consistency with James in the lineup, even with Doncic putting up ridiculous numbers offensively. Without LeBron, the team thrive led by Luka and Austin Reaves, and on a recent ESPN appearance, Brian Windhorst pointed that out, calling out what a bad fit James is for this current lineup.

“When Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves play together, they’re just not a good team… When it’s just Reaves and Luka, the Lakers are an excellent team.”

In years gone by, this could have been the perfect fit, but given the lack of effort on the defensive end and what some perceive as selfishness from James, it's clear that things just aren't going to work out.

Ultimately though, the trade deadline has come and gone, so this is the roster that JJ Reddick and the Lakers are now stuck with, but given that James is a free agent this summer, it's more likely than ever that he won't be back in Los Angeles.