Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague believes the Los Angeles Lakers might be better off without LeBron James, at least for now.
Teague and his co-hosts shared their thoughts on the Lakers' six-two start and how the chemistry between Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves may be affected once James returns to the lineup.
“Now, they have these young guys playing defense, and LeBron, when he has these moments, is like, 'I'm not going to not play defense.' If he doesn't get a rock or something, LeBron is going to give you an attitude or something,” Teague said via the Club 520 Podcast.
He added that while he respects James' legendary status, the team's current rhythm could be disrupted by his return.
“Looking ahead, I see AR [Austin Reaves] and Luca [Doncic] It's a dynamic duo, so now it's time not to force Brown out but for the brothers to do some good things for the team,” Teague said.
He added, “LeBron can play the third role; he can be calm. LeBron knows how to be calm and averages 16 or 17 points a game, but I don't know if he's going to do that.”
According to head coach JJ Redick and multiple NBA reporters, James, who is nearly 41 years old, is expected to return in mid-November.
The four-time MVP will miss the start of the NBA season for the first time in a record-breaking 23 years.
In his absence, the Lakers have quietly become one of the league's most efficient offensive teams, ranking fifth overall, shooting 52.9% through the first eight games. Doncic averaged 41.3 points and 8.3 assists per game, and Reeves averaged 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game.
Redick praised the team's commitment to responsibility and hard work.
“The players hold each other accountable and then, as a coaching staff, you have to accept that and our players accept that,” he said.
READ MORE: Russell Westbrook open to Nuggets exit after Denver return
