Brian Windhorst Tells Everyone Don't Sleep On LeBron James's Importance To The Lakers

Which franchise would overlook the opportunity to start LeBron James? Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Lakers have excelled without their star player, raising questions about the potential disruption his return might cause. While it seems counterintuitive, team dynamics play a crucial role; having the world’s premier athlete for two decades doesn’t inherently detract from a team’s performance. Recently, esteemed NBA analyst Brian Windhorst expressed concern on an ESPN NBA panel.Acknowledging the Lakers' resilience amid early-season injuries—afflicting James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves—Windhorst praised their performance. He pointed out that despite their poor defensive rankings and net ratings, the Lakers have managed to shine due to Doncic and Reaves' contributions. Yet, he emphasized the necessity of James's presence. Windhorst noted, “Integrating him may disrupt their current flow,” highlighting the importance of observing LeBron's attitude. Furthermore, he mentioned that joining a team mid-season poses unique challenges, even for a player of James's caliber. As his comeback looms, the Lakers' trajectory remains captivating.