"LeBron don't have to do a lot of work" - 5x NBA champ outlines lone scenario for Lakers’ title hopes while roasting Luka Doncic & Co.'s defense

The Luka Doncic-led LA Lakers suffered a 122-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Without Austin Reaves and LeBron James, Doncic’s supporting crew could not help him carry the team to a six-game winning streak. Still, they remain near the top of the Western Conference with a 7-3 record.

Showtime Laker legend Michael Cooper responded on Vlad TV on Sunday when asked about James’ absence and the team’s championship chances:

(2:10 mark)

“I think he’s [James] got enough juice to get them to the finals. If he can get them [Lakers] to the finals, they can win it. … LeBron don’t have do to a lot of work.”

The five-time NBA champ added that for the Lakers to even reach the NBA Finals, the team would need to be "90% healthy." He did not express concern about James’ absence, as he thought it would ultimately favor the Lakers. For Cooper, Doncic can do the heavy lifting with Reaves, allowing James to be as fresh as possible.

However, “Coop” emphasized that Luka Doncic and Co. needed to improve on defense. Cooper particularly noted how the sloppy defensive execution in the blowout loss to the Hawks. The Hall of Famer cautioned his former team that it would struggle if it could not “shore up” on defense.

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Austin Reaves could return to help Luka Doncic carry Lakers

A groin injury stopped Austin Reaves’ sizzling hot start to the 2025-26 season for the LA Lakers. Reaves has missed the team’s last three games, forcing Luka Doncic to carry a heavy burden on offense.

Doncic’s sidekick could return soon after the Lakers upgraded his status from out to questionable on Sunday. If cleared, AR, averaging 32.0 points, 9.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game, could return for Monday’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.

Luka Doncic needs as much help as he can during this brutal five-game road swing. After the game in Charlotte, the Lakers will travel to Oklahoma City for their first showdown against the Thunder, the defending champs.

The Lakers also have stops in New Orleans and Milwaukee before returning home to host the Utah Jazz. LA has a good chance of ending the road trek with a winning record if Reaves can play.