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Stephen A. defends LeBron's place alongside Luka

Skip Bayless sees Dončić's scoring surge as evidence the Lakers are better off without James, but Smith argues that scoring isn't the same as running a team.

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NBA on ESPN Story of November 10, 2026Trari Newsroom

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'THERE IS NO TEAM BETTER OFF WITHOUT LEBRON!' 🔥 - Stephen A. on the Lakers | First Take

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0:39Bayless argues Dončić benefits without James, citing his conditioning, shooting and defense.
2:24Smith defends the bubble championship as a test of discipline during the pandemic.
4:12Both criticize the Westbrook acquisition, while Smith questions the supporting roster built by Pelinka.
6:21Smith identifies limited scoring support around Dončić, with Reaves the only teammate averaging more than 15 points.
7:23The title's answer arrives: Smith argues no NBA team improves by removing James, citing leadership and basketball intelligence.

Skip Bayless barely needs a moment to answer. Asked whether Luka Dončić and the Lakers are better off without LeBron James, he replies: "Isn't that obvious to you?"

Stephen A. Smith spends much of this First Take segment explaining why he thinks it isn't. The NBA on ESPN clip begins with Dončić's third consecutive 40-point game, but its central question is whether that individual brilliance makes James unnecessary.

Bayless argues that Dončić has benefited from having the stage to himself, crediting improved conditioning, shooting and defense. Smith's response is about what the rest of the lineup needs: he points to limited scoring support beyond Austin Reaves and argues that James brings leadership, preparation and basketball intelligence that a scoring total cannot capture.

The title's emphatic answer arrives after seven minutes: "There is no team in the NBA that is better off without LeBron James."

Before reaching it, the pair revisit the Lakers' 2020 championship. Bayless dismisses the bubble title; Smith defends the discipline required to win amid the pandemic. They agree that acquiring Russell Westbrook was a mistake, although Smith also questions the roster support supplied by Rob Pelinka.

The comments contain a separate thread about seeing Smith and Bayless together again, alongside an observation that a discussion supposedly about Luka has become another LeBron debate. By the commercial break, Smith has a question of his own: "Why did I agree to do two hours with you, man?"

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What viewers say

The topic is about Luka and here we are still talking about LBJ
@foualter102See it on YouTube
"you want a cookie, but he doesn't eat cookies anymore." 😂
@Jimmy-e5o5wSee it on YouTube
Never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad these two are back together.
@rossmaxson5978See it on YouTube

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