LeBron James Becomes “Monkey Wrench” in Jason Whitlock’s Show as His Co-Host Questions His Lakers Fit Amid Austin Reaves’ Ascension

LeBron James is yet to make his first appearance of the season for the LA Lakers due to an injury. His absence has sparked discussions about his role on the team, with Jason Whitlock’s co-host questioning how well James fits into the lineup given Austin Reaves’ meteoric rise this season.

During an episode of Jason Whitlock’s show Fearless on Thursday, guest co-host Jay Skapinac weighed in on LeBron James’ role with the Lakers, suggesting he would need to take the "back seat" for the team to remain competitive in the Western Conference.

"If the Lakers are going to be, you know, more interesting, more compelling, possibly maybe more competitive in the Western Conference," Skapinac expressed. (Timestamp: 50:46 onwards) "It's going to have to be with LeBron James taking a major back seat."

Continuing to offer his views on the topic, Skapinac believed Bron would be a "monkey wrench" in the team and disrupt the cohesion between Doncic and Reaves.

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"I mean, if it was just Luka and just AR on this team, I'm all in on it. But I think LeBron James is going to screw up all of this cohesion that they have," he continued. (51:10 onwards) "I think Luca Donic and Austin Reeves fit very well together. LeBron James, however, is just a monkey wrench in this whole equation when he gets back."

Whitlock's co-host's remarks stem from the brilliant start the Lakers' backcourt has made in LeBron's absence, particularly Austin Reaves. The guard has thrived early in the season, taking full advantage of an expanded role alongside Luka Doncic and emerging as one of the team’s key contributors.

In his five appearances this season, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points and 10.0 assists per game while shooting 52.5% from the field.

Jason Whitlock’s co-host slams LeBron James for his “insufferable ego,” claims he wouldn’t accept being a third option behind Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic

Jay Skapinac didn't hold back against LeBron James during his appearance on Jason Whitlock's show on Thursday. After labeling him a "monkey wrench" during their discussion, the co-host slammed the Lakers star for his "insufferable ego."

"I'm referring more to LeBron's insufferable ego. This guy, you know, the unending narcissist that he is, calls himself the GOAT at every drop of a hat," Skapinac remarked. (Timestamp: 52:42 onwards) "I just don't see him pulling off the throttle and becoming a third option."

Skapinac's glaring remarks came after Whitlock suggested Bron could play a third fiddle behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, something the co-host firmly dismissed as unrealistic.

Edited by Arian Kashyap