The LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers delivered one of their best two-way performances of the season on Sunday, dispatching the New York Knicks 110-97 in a wire-to-wire home victory.
Afterward, the NBA world began pondering whether the aspiring Western Conference contender may be “better off” with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves as its two leading men full-time, citing the team’s consistent success sans James.
Lakers’ Lopsided Win Over Knicks Without LeBron James Raises Major Question
James was a last-minute scratch due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis, leaving LA shorthanded against one of the Eastern Conference’s top-three teams by record (41-24).
Still, the Lakers, who have struggled against top-tier competition throughout the season, took care of business behind a combined 60 points from Dončić and Reaves, as well as a strong team-wide defensive effort.
LA’s 21st-ranked defense (115.8 defensive rating) held New York’s third-ranked offense (118.1 offensive rating) to just 97 points on 42.7% shooting, forcing 19 turnovers. The Lakers never trailed, with their advantage ballooning as high as 23 points before letting their foot off the gas.
With the statement victory, LA experienced a rare success against a potential title contender, after going just 4-12 against teams with a .600 winning percentage or better. The Lakers also improved to 9-2 with Dončić and Reaves suiting up in James’ absence this season, a stat that made waves on X.
— StatHunter (@stat_hunter) March 9, 2026
“Are the Lakers better WITHOUT LeBron? They’re 9-2 this season with both Luka and AR but no LeBron… and they’ve beaten the Spurs, Timberwolves, and Knicks,” LA fan account Lakers All Day Everyday floated.
“Numbers loudly say Lakers are better with Luka/AR … and without LeBron. They just had one of their better wins, holding the Knicks to 97 … without LeBron,” Veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless asserted.
“Would both the Lakers and NBA be better off without LeBron’s antics hurting the product??” Prominent NBA fan Hero of the Day asked.
“Are the Lakers better with LeBron James in street clothes??” Satirical outlet Hater Report asked its followers.
Meanwhile, some speculated that the noise surrounding the aging four-time MVP’s possible waning importance to LA will only grow louder until his return.
“The ‘Lakers without LeBron’ narrative for the next few days will be bad,” content creator Legend of Winning predicted.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dončić noted postgame that the Lakers, who have played the last two contests without James, are “showing” that they can “be a better defensive team.” The six-time All-Star also spoke glowingly of Reaves as his right-hand man, stressing how “easy” it is to play with the undrafted guard.
LA (39-25) will look to extend its winning streak to three games during Tuesday’s home clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24), marking another tough test with James’ availability uncertain.
