The debate over LeBron James’ fit with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves has a new (albeit expected) perspective: James’ longtime agent and friend, Rich Paul.

Rich Paul Chimes In On ‘Lakers Are Better Without LeBron’ Debate
Paul Calls Discussion “Nonsense”

Speaking on the “Game Over” podcast alongside co-host Max Kellerman, Paul said:

“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 … I think it’s more so about figuring it out. Sometimes, it takes you longer than not, because for a guy that’s been on the ball for so long, how do you play him off the ball? … You have to factor in his presence. You gotta realize something: most guys that [step] on the floor with LeBron James, are in awe.”

Paul also dismissed Kellerman’s notion that the current Lakers are better without James, who has played 46 of a possible 67 games this season and is averaging 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists on .505/.311/.742 splits.

Numbers Don’t Lie, But…

Despite Paul’s support, advanced metrics back the notion that this year’s Lakers are better without James on the floor, numbers that go beyond the 14-7 record without him this season. As Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix noted on Mar. 11:

“…when James has been out, Dončić and Reaves have thrived. The Lakers are 10–2 in games Dončić and Reaves have played without James. Playing together, they have an offensive rating of 117.9. They have a defensive rating of 111.6. With James, the net rating is -1.1. Without him, it’s +6.6. During James’s recent three-game absence, a rival assistant noted that his team believed it had a better chance to win with James on the floor.“

At the same time—to Paul’s credit—the Lakers’ big three are figuring things out post All-Star break. According to Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk:

“Doncic, James, and Reaves have turned the corner on the totality of the season, averaging a net rating of 3.2 in their 362 minutes on the court as a trio. That number looks even prettier since the All-Star break. They have posted a net rating of 12.6 in the 10 games and 210 minutes they have under their belt during that span. That net rating of 12.6 following the break includes two figures worth mentioning on their own. The offensive rating that goes into that mark is 116.0. The defensive rating? It would be a stellar 103.4.”

The improved dynamic has also proven itself in the Lakers’ recent wins. Doncic and Reaves led the show against the Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets last week while James took a step back, taking just 13 shots in each contest and finishing with 18 and 17 points, respectively. He continued to defend, rebound and facilitate at a high level, though the supposed “pecking order” between himself, Doncic and Reaves was clearly on display.

James’ “Sacrifice” Paying Off

James, Doncic, Reaves and head coach JJ Redick are commited to making the big three work, with James willing to make sacrifices and adapt to the team’s needs. That sentiment has sustained itself over the Lakers’ five-game winning streak, which faces another test starting tonight against the Houston Rockets.

Lakers coach JJ Redick spoke pregame about LeBron James’ current role on the team heading into the home stretch of the regular season.

“The best thing for our team is (LeBron) being the third-highest-used player.” pic.twitter.com/fyN0tjpme2

— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) March 17, 2026

In a season that has already seen improvements to several lingering issues—whether it’s an increase in zone defense or necessary changes to the starting lineup—James’ adjustments are the latest positive sign for a team hitting its stride at the right time. The case that the Lakers are better without LeBron is an encouraging sign for the team’s long-term future, when James calls it a career and hands the keys to Doncic and Reaves. But for now, all parties involved are committed to making the trio work well in the present, something that could serve them well toward their ultimate postseason goal.

© William Liang-Imagn Images