Rich Paul Debates LeBron James’ Impact on Lakers’ 2026-27 Season

The new-look Los Angeles Lakers are off to a flying start without LeBron James, and Max Kellerman argued the NBA's All-Time leading scorer's departure lit a fire under their current stars. James left the Lakers in the offseason, joining the Philadelphia 76ers and headlining a busy offseason for the Eastern Conference squad. So far, though, the Lakers don't appear to be missing him. They currently have a 6-2 record on the year, and Luka Doncic leads the entire NBA in scoring with 38.3 points per game as well as 8.0 rebounds and 8.1 assists so far on the season.