In the absence of LeBron James, Luka Doncic has led the LA Lakers to a hot start in the first two weeks of the 2025-26 NBA season. Doncic is averaging a league-best 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game as James is facing a sciatica injury. As the Lakers continue without their four-time MVP, rumors grow that Doncic could be paving the way for his exit.
Jason Whitlock, on his "The Fearless" podcast on Friday, commented on how James' absence is hurting his greatest of all time (GOAT) case:
“It could be the most embarrassing ending for a superstar athlete. … LeBron James just sitting out his last year, and no one wanting him thinks he’s worth the hassle or worth the money. … Luka Doncic doesn't want LeBron back. That could be part of the problem as well.”
The Lakers refused to offer James an extension in the offseason, prompting him to opt into his $52 million player option. Last month, Kevin Garnett said in his podcast that James' sciatica injury was a "leverage" play.
Lakers insider Dave McMenamin reported in October that James is monitoring the Lakers' scenario with Luka Doncic as the superstar. If the team stutters, McMenamin speculated that James could push for a trade.
If both were right, then James' ploy blew up in his face. Doncic, who signed a three-year, $161.3 million in August, is carrying the Lakers to near the top of the NBA.
Jason Whitlock's podcast guest claims inserting LeBron James back will hurt Luka Doncic-led Lakers
After defeating the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 on Wednesday, reports came out that LeBron James has been cleared for 5-on-5 drills. Luka Doncic will lead the Lakers during a brutal five-game road trip that includes showdowns against the OKC Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks.
While some are hoping James would make a comeback after the road swing, Jason Whitlock's podcast guest, Paul Bukhardt, warns the Lakers and their fans:
“If you inject him and his toxicity, everything that comes with him into this 7-2 start, and they’re humming right now, there is not a positive outcome to this. One, he’s not gonna take a backseat to any player. … If he comes back, they worsen overnight.”
Bukhardt added that LeBron James lacks the humility to become a role player and help the LA Lakers win. He added that inserting another-ball dominant player will hurt the chemistry Doncic has with the side.
James has no-trade clause, and his massive salay limits his trade destinations. It will be interesting to see how James' situation will turn out amid the Lakers' hot start.