The Los Angeles Lakers are synonymous with greatness, but what happens when their cornerstone, LeBron James, steps off the court? This question has taken center stage in recent seasons, as the team has repeatedly had to navigate stretches without their superstar. The answers are revealing, showing a mix of vulnerabilities and flashes of resilience. The best betting platforms closely analyze the Lakers’ performance this season, offering detailed predictions on their games, especially during LeBron James’s absence. For more information about such platforms and their features, visit beton.ng.
LeBron, now in his 21st season, is not just a player; he’s a system. His impact on the court extends beyond his 27.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, numbers he has averaged since joining the Lakers in 2018. When he plays, the Lakers’ offense flows through his ability to read defenses and create opportunities. Without him, that cohesion often falters.
Over the past four seasons, the Lakers have played 95 games without James and won just 41 of them. That’s a win rate of 43.1%, a sharp contrast to their 57% win rate with him on the floor during the same period. The discrepancy highlights the team’s struggles to find a reliable identity when their leader is absent.
Take the 2021-2022 season as an example. LeBron missed 26 games that year, and the Lakers managed to win only 8 of them. During those games, they averaged 111.0 points while allowing 114.5 points, a clear sign of defensive and offensive instability. The numbers tell a similar story in other seasons, with the team often leaning heavily on Anthony Davis, who, despite his immense talent, has faced his own issues with injuries and consistency.
This season offers a slightly more encouraging picture, albeit in a limited sample. In their first game without James this year, the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 107-98. Anthony Davis took charge, delivering 30 points and 11 rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell added 28 points and 14 assists. The victory showcased the potential for other players to step up when given the opportunity. However, this success hasn’t been the norm.
Just days later, the Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that exposed their lack of offensive firepower without James. They scored only 87 points, their lowest total of the season. Even Davis, their go-to option in James’s absence, struggled, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting. The team’s inability to consistently execute without LeBron remains a glaring issue.
What stands out is the Lakers’ reliance on moments of brilliance from individual players rather than sustained team effort. In games without LeBron, Davis averages 27.3 points and 11.1 rebounds, numbers that reflect his ability to carry the load. But outside of him, the supporting cast often lacks the consistency needed to fill the void.