There was a time when it felt impossible to imagine any team actually playing better without LeBron James on the floor. Yet during the 2025-26 season, a counterintuitive narrative has begun to gain traction, with critics claiming the Los Angeles Lakers look stronger when the four-time MVP isn't playing.

Paul Pierce believes LeBron James has been made the scapegoat, but still reckons the Lakers are better without him.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James takes a shot at the Toronto Raptors with the upcoming Nike LeBron 23 "LeBronto" colorway.

The Los Angeles Lakers are playing one of the hottest fixtures on the calendar tonight as they take on the New York Knicks. It is usually a star-studded affair when these two teams meet, and that’s the case tonight as well,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 44 points in the first three quarters Friday night, overcoming LeBron James' absence and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers.