The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have officially parted ways after an eight-season tenure that included a championship victory. While James may no longer be the dominant force he once was, his exit is seen by some as a significant loss for the franchise. However, former Lakers player Derek Fisher believes the team will continue to thrive, largely due to the presence of superstar Luka Doncic.
James, who was instrumental in the Lakers' success, had recently averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds last season, marking the lowest scoring average of his career. Despite his declining numbers, James remained a key player in the league, and his departure has raised questions about how the Lakers will compensate for his absence.
Fisher, during a recent appearance on 97.1 The Fan LA, expressed confidence that the Lakers will not follow the same trajectory as other teams James has left in the past. He stated, "You think about the few organizations where LeBron has been, you tell me where their record has gotten dramatically better after he left. So it’s not going to fall off that much because Luka is there." This sentiment stems from the belief that Doncic, who joined the Lakers in 2025 after a successful stint with the Dallas Mavericks, can carry the team forward.
Doncic, a two-time scoring champion, had a remarkable first full season with the Lakers, where he showcased his talent by breaking several records. Unfortunately, his season was marred by an injury just before the playoffs, which limited his impact during a crucial time. The Lakers performed well in the first round against the Houston Rockets but were ultimately swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
As the Lakers look to fill the scoring void left by James, Fisher points to Austin Reaves as a potential key contributor. Reaves, who emerged as a significant player for the Lakers, averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season. His performance has earned him a substantial four-year, $180 million contract extension, reflecting the team's commitment to his development.
Fisher believes that the combination of Doncic and Reaves could form an all-star backcourt capable of leading the Lakers to success. He remarked, "I think Luka and Austin Reaves are basically an all-star backcourt that you can roll out every night, and then Walker Kessler is a young developing almost all-starish type of big in terms of his elite defense and rebounding." With this lineup, Fisher predicts the Lakers could achieve between 45 to 50 wins, contingent on several factors aligning in their favor.
As the Lakers navigate this new chapter without James, the focus will be on how they can leverage the talents of Doncic and Reaves to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The upcoming season will be pivotal for the franchise as they aim to build on their legacy and continue to contend in the NBA.
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