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“He Used to Have a Double Chin”: Skip Bayless Hails Luka Doncic’s Transformation as He Declares Lakers Better Off Without LeBron James

The iconic, polarizing duo of Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless reunited, and the inevitable happened. Once again, they broke into a shouting match over LeBron James’ legacy in Los Angeles. Only this time with a slight nuance: Luka Doncic’s…

By Caroline John · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 11:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Skip Bayless argued the Lakers are better without LeBron James, praising Luka Doncic's offseason physical transformation.
Stephen A. Smith strongly disagreed with Bayless, defending James' legacy and the Lakers' 2020 championship run.
Doncic dropped weight to roughly 230 pounds during the offseason following recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Skip Bayless praised Luka Doncic's physical conditioning and claimed the Los Angeles Lakers are better off following LeBron James' departure. During an on-air debate with Stephen A. Smith, Bayless argued that James' tenure in Los Angeles was overrated and highlighted Doncic's weight loss and improved defensive effort as key factors in the Lakers' strong 7–2 start to the season.

Doncic reportedly slimmed down to around 230 pounds over the offseason with trainer Anže Maček after overcoming a hamstring strain. The star guard is averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, while the Lakers utilized $52 million in freed salary cap room to build around him with players including Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.

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