Despite being 41 years old, LeBron James remains one of the NBA’s top players. However, his age is gradually beginning to show. While James still delivers highlight-reel dunks that few players his age could execute, there are moments when he becomes inefficient with the ball.
This has fueled a narrative suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers are a better team without James in the lineup. NBA agent Rich Paul has pushed back against that notion, defending his client.
Rich Paul Believes Lakers Aren’t Better Without LeBron James
The Lakers are currently on a five-game winning streak. While the franchise is regaining momentum, it is notable that the streak began when James was sidelined.
The run started on March 6 against the Indiana Pacers, when James missed the game due to a left elbow contusion. Luka Dončić scored 44 points to lead a 128-117 victory.
James continued to miss subsequent games, during which Dončić and Austin Reaves formed a productive duo. On March 8, Dončić scored 35 points, and Reaves added 25 in a 110-97 win over the New York Knicks. On March 10, both scored 31 points to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Because of the duo’s success, some have argued the Lakers perform well without James.
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Paul disagrees with that notion, defending James and stating no team has ever been better without him.
“You hear all the nonsense about the team being better without LeBron, I’ve never seen a team in my life that would be better without LeBron James,” Paul said. “You have to factor in his presence. Most guys who step on the floor with LeBron James are in awe.”
Rich Paul on the narrative that the Lakers are better without LeBron:
“You hear all the nonsense about the team being better without LeBron, I never seen a team in my life that would be better without LeBron James…. You have to factor in his presence. Most guys who step on the… pic.twitter.com/5bcoV3iJZf
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 16, 2026
Statistics provide context. Dončić and Reaves are 9-2 this season when James has been sidelined. However, the Lakers’ overall record without James is 13-7, which does not necessarily indicate the team is stronger without him. With James in the lineup, the Lakers are 28-18 this season.
On Monday, the Lakers began a six-game road trip, five of which are against teams likely bound for the playoffs. Despite ongoing discussion about whether the team performs better without him, James must demonstrate he can elevate the Lakers alongside Dončić and Reaves.
