LeBron James and Luka Doncic Spark Lakers' Title Hopes

LeBron James pushed back on the narrative that the Lakers are better without him, calling critics out with "It sells papers a lot easier...their team is better off without LeBron" and adding "They're absolutely wrong." He missed time with sciatica as L.A. started 10-4 without him, but is now averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds and helped fuel a run that has the Lakers 45-25 and winners of 11 of 12. Merlin sees a veteran still weaving magic when it matters. Chemistry with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves has warmed, and JJ Redick’s lineup moves look vindicated by results. The true test will be health and whether the trio can stay hot through the West’s gauntlet. The season is far from decided.