Rich Paul pushed back on the suggestion that the Los Angeles Lakers are playing better because LeBron James is no longer on the roster, crediting the team’s improved personnel and defensive structure during a discussion with Max Kellerman on the Mind the Game podcast.
“The Lakers have done a great job of, from a personnel perspective, of putting the pieces together that plays a better team defensive game,” Paul said, pointing to the additions of Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle and Walker Kessler.
Paul singled out Kessler’s impact, calling him “a revelation,” and also praised Jarred Vanderbilt’s energy when he comes off the bench.
The Lakers are 6-2, with Kessler averaging 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks while shooting 71.4% from the field.
Paul argued that the Lakers’ defensive improvement comes from having personnel capable of defending collectively rather than relying on individual matchups. He also warned that the roster’s defensive strengths come with an offensive tradeoff when opponents focus on Doncic in the playoffs.
“When the game slows down and they start to key on you, now you need those other guys to step up offensively,” Paul said.
Kellerman disagreed with Paul’s assessment, arguing that James’ departure gave Doncic clearer ownership of the team and removed the complications of sharing the ball with another star. He also pointed to Doncic arriving in better shape this season.
Paul rejected that explanation, saying: “What does LeBron have to do with it? LeBron doesn’t have anything to do with that.”
Doncic is averaging 38.3 points, 8.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds in seven games, while Austin Reaves is contributing 23.6 points and 5.1 assists. Kessler’s production gives the Lakers another major contributor after the roster additions Paul highlighted.
Paul also said James is playing with more joy in Philadelphia. James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games with the Lakers in 2025-26; through six games with the 76ers this season, he is averaging 16.2 points, 7.3 assists and 7.0 rebounds.
