Is Austin Reaves Better Off Without LeBron James? One Laker Legend Appears To Think That Way

The eyes of the NBA community are always on the Los Angeles Lakers. The legends of this franchise, of course, see things through a different lens.

For James Worthy, there’s a certain hindrance standing between Austin Reaves and the best version of himself. That hindrance may very well be a 6-foot-9, 250-pound, future Hall of Famer who’s in the twilight of his career.

“I think the coaching staff is figuring out how to deal with that trio: LeBron, Luka, and Austin,” Worthy said on the “Access Sportsnet” post-game show following the Lakers-Timberwolves game on Tuesday. “All three of them on the floor together might not be best for Austin.”

Worthy, a three-time NBA champion during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era in the ’80s, speculated on a potential dip in Reaves’ game when LBJ returns from his recent surge of injuries. “LeBron’s out right now, but when they start the substitution back up again, they have to realize that this guy [Reaves] needs the ball in his hands a lot, in order for him to be efficient and productive,” Worthy added.

Tuesday’s 120-106 victory over the Wolves was yet another piece of evidence for the “Reaves-sans-LeBron” framework that Worthy was talking about. In this game, Reaves had 31 points on a 50.0% shooting clip, outscoring the duo of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle by his lonesome.

Not to be outdone, Reaves’ frenemy Luka Dončić also put up 31 points, pulling off a triple-double that included 11 rebounds and 11 assists. As tremendous as LeBron’s star power is, this is how the future of the Lakers is shaping up to be: fueled by the high-octane offense of the ever-entertaining backcourt of Dončić and Reaves.

The question is, will James expedite the arrival of that future by hanging up his sneakers for good this year? Rumblings about the King’s retirement have been louder than they’ve ever been, but at this point, only James knows for sure if the 2025-26 campaign will be his last in the NBA.

Of course, it’s possible that James continues to play, but for a different team next season. If that were the case, Worthy might knowingly nod as the Lakers fully hand the keys to Reaves and his Slovenian buddy.