Disturbing Statistic May Indicate This Star is Over the Hill

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a really interesting spot. They’ve spent the last few seasons catering to LeBron James. They’ve catered to their aging star, leaning on him for help with personnel choices and allowing his style to dictate the Lakers' offensive flow. Then the Luka Doncic trade happened and everything changed. Now, the Lakers are Luka’s team. Everything the Lakers do moving forward will be to maximize their chances of winning with Luka. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the Lakers. LeBron has seen his play decline over the last couple seasons, and the Lakers would be struggling to compete if LeBron were still their focal point. 

Frank Urbina of HoopsHype laid out a case for LeBron’s impact that doesn’t look too good. 

“On the year, the Lakers have won 66 percent of their games that James has missed, a 14-7 record overall, which, if extrapolated for an entire campaign, would amass to roughly a 56-win pace. That means with James in the lineup, the 40-25 Lakers are 26-18, a 59-plus percent win rate and a 49-win pace if extrapolated for an entire season. What's more, for the second year in a row, the Lakers boast a negative swing rating with James on the floor. The team has been outscored by 2.0 points per 100 possessions with James in the game this season, after being outscored by 5.3 points per 100 possessions in 2024-25 when James was in the game.”

The Lakers honestly might be better off without James. It doesn’t mean LeBron can’t still impact winning, but combining his defensive limitations with Luka’s is a recipe for disaster. That’s why you shouldn’t expect LeBron to wear a Lakers uniform next season. LeBron’s time in LA is coming to a close.