“No, They Do Not Miss Him” – Skip Bayless Takes a Shot at LeBron James After Lakers Cruise to NBA Best 10-2 Record

November 10, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Luka Doncic, LeBron James - Image © Imagn Images

LeBron James keeps catching Skip Bayless’ strays. The veteran analyst got a golden opportunity after the Los Angeles Lakers surged to the top of both conferences on Monday with their sixth straight win. Los Angeles beat the Atlanta Hawks 124-114 on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, despite missing Austin Reaves.

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Bayless took to X to acknowledge the Lakers’ standing and claimed they don’t miss James.

“The Los Angeles Lakers now have the NBA’s best record. No, they do not miss him.”

LeBron James shockingly left the Lakers in the 2026 offseason to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers used their cap space efficiently after his $52.6 million salary came off their books. They improved their core by signing Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle in free agency.

However, many analysts and fans weren’t confident that the Lakers would win without James, who spent eight seasons in Los Angeles. Skip Bayless seemingly called out those takes with his latest shot at James.

Doncic and James’ skills overlapped. They also played similar defensive roles, which impacted the Lakers’ on-court balance. However, with James gone, the Lakers have players in defined roles, especially Doncic, who has been on a tear, averaging 39.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 2.0 steals, shooting 49.8% from the field and 40.7% from 3.

LeBron James’ Sixers were tied for the best record with the Lakers before Monday

LeBron James and the Lakers’ breakup may have been the best outcome for both entities. Three weeks into the season, James’ Sixers and the Lakers were tied for the best record (9-2) before Los Angeles got its 10th win on Monday.

While the Lakers have looked more surgical on offense, boasting a league-best 121.5 offensive rating, the Sixers have made their mark on defense with a 107.6 rating. The offense hasn’t strung together a series of good runs as its All-Star quartet – James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid – figures out its chemistry.

Nevertheless, with James in the lineup, Philly is doing just enough to stay afloat offensively. He’s primarily playing as a playmaker, averaging a team-high 6.7 assists. It’s the role he thrives in, and exactly what the Sixers needed.

After the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, LeBron James was no longer playing that role consistently, putting him in an unfamiliar position. Nevertheless, he’s getting opportunities to be a floor general again and seems more comfortable despite playing alongside multiple All-Stars.