The Lakers have a higher winning rate without James! Doncic + Reaves - James: Purple Gold Army 9 wins and 2 losses.

On March 9 Beijing time, the Lakers defeated the Knicks 110-97, achieving two consecutive victories in the absence of James. Afterwards, American media published the Lakers' performance this season in games where James played versus games where he did not.

Data indicates that this season, when James plays, the Lakers' record is 26 wins and 18 losses, a winning rate of 59.1%; when he is absent, the Lakers have 13 wins and 7 losses, a winning rate of 65.0%. In other words, the Lakers have a higher winning rate when James is not playing.

Additionally, this season, when Doncic and Reaves both play and James does not, the Lakers' record is 9 wins and 2 losses, with an astonishing winning rate of 81.8%.

Previously, reporter Manix reported that the Lakers are studying the Mavericks' successful model from their Finals run, attempting to replicate key roster elements around Doncic and Reaves. Now, the performance of Doncic and Reaves together without James provides enough confidence for Lakers management to renew Reaves' contract and build a team around them.

Regarding James, as McMahon said on the program. "The most likely next destination for (James) is Cleveland. Consider this script: returning home, reuniting, the hometown son's final dance, an epic farewell tour, and still playing for a championship-contending team. Looking at the Lakers now, James seems like a guest even in his own territory."

James is currently under daily observation. According to reporter Andrews, James missed the game against the Knicks today due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis. James' pre-game training condition was good, but after training, his left foot did not respond as expected by the Lakers coaching staff and medical team. Therefore, about an hour before the game, the team officially announced his absence. Andrews stated that this issue is primarily related to the left foot, not the elbow.