Though LeBron James has yet to suit up and make his historic debut in his 23rd NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are doing fine without the 21-time All-Star.
With an 8-4 record, Doncic, Reaves, and the rest of head coach JJ Redick’s roster have put up strong performances through the first few weeks of the season, but the potential of adding the league’s all-time leading scorer means there is still a lot of room for improvement whenever James does return.
Speaking on his podcast, Hall of Fame guard Dwayne Wade made some bold comments on his friend James, Doncic, and the Lakers team as a whole. Most notably, the three-time champion said Los Angeles is not better with James on the bench, despite their relatively strong start.
“This style of play they are playing without LeBron excites everybody, because it’s the future,” Wade said, referring to Doncic and Reaves’ hot start to the year. “(But) you are not better without him.”
James has missed the Lakers’ first 12 games of the year with sciatica, which he has reportedly been dealing with since the summer. However, recent updates on the 40-year-old signal a season debut is nearing ever closer.
Dwayne Wade On Luka Doncic And The Lakers
Wade’s thoughts on the team without James aren’t too shocking, considering both his resume and their tight personal connection. Yet still, the 2006 Finals MVP had a lot to say on Doncic, who looks like a rejuvenated player in Los Angeles after arriving in the blockbuster trade in February.
“(With James out) It allowed for Luka to run the show, obviously he’s been brought in as the future of the Lakers, it allowed us to see Dallas Luka again, but also to see his evolution and his growth,” he said. “I really love what the Lakers are doing, shoutout to JJ and the coaching staff. It’s really good to see the adjustments they are willing to make in year two.”
At this time last year, the Lakers had the same 8-4 record, but that team looked completely different than the one that is taking the court now. Regardless, with Doncic starring, Reaves taking a bigger role, and a drastically different cast of supporting players, Wade thinks Redick is getting the most out of this roster, specifically as it relates to their new star.
“They’ve done an incredible job that creates a zone around Luka that allows him to play to his strengths,” Wade added. “It’s been interesting watching an organization bring in a superstar and how they allow him to play to his strengths.”
So far this year, Doncic is averaging a career-high 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.9 assists on 47.6% shooting. The Lakers are only 21st in net rating and 17th in offensive rating, but with the help of the Slovenian, as well as Reaves, they are fifth in the West with the sixth-best odds to win the 2025-26 Finals, according to ESPN Bet.
LeBron James Injury Update Singals Lakers Debut Is Soon
The former Miami Heat star’s comments on Doncic also don’t come as a shock, considering his incredible start to the year, but Wade made it clear that the team still hasn’t reached its peak form until James returns.
While there is still no date set for the superstar to make his debut, recent news points to his return to action being near.
Reporting for ESPN, Dave McMenamin said James has been practicing with the G-League affiliate South Bay Lakers, and has yet to experience any ‘residual effects‘ while recovering from his nerve injury.
“LeBron James practiced with the G League’s South Bay Lakers again Thursday and did not experience any residual effects from Wednesday’s workout, sources told ESPN,” the insider wrote. “An encouraging sign after James’ first 5-on-5 play since the first round of the playoffs, more than six months ago.”
James missed all of the Lakers’ training camp and preseason after it was revealed he was dealing with sciatica. The star is now ramping up on a return, but all signs point to Los Angeles continuing to be careful with his recovery. However, when he does step on the floor, he will set a new NBA record.
“A source present for Wednesday’s practice told ESPN the workout was “intense” as James prepares to become the first player in NBA history to suit up for a 23rd season,” McMenamin added.
The James and Doncic duo could be short-lived, considering the unknown future of the former. Regardless, Redick and the Lakers having both on the court together expect to only increase their chances at a title run, or at least not losing in the first round of the playoffs, like they did last year.
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