“Stop acting like this team would be better without LeBron James” – Former NBA player emphasizes on significance of LeBron James playing on LA Lakers

After suffering a left abductor strain, the LA Lakers were forced to sideline LeBron James. It's been nearly three weeks now since the 18-time All-Star appeared in a game.

Things started off rough for the Lakers to open the year, but they've managed to string together some victories. In the five games LeBron has missed, the team has a record of 3-2.

Part of why LA has racked up wins is because of Anthony Davis. With LeBron James out, he has taken his game to a whole new level. Over his past five games, the former No. 1 pick is averaging 33.2 points, 17.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 2.6 blocks.

Seeing AD perform like his old self has many wondering if the Lakers might be better off with LeBron. However, one analyst took the opportunity to set the record straight. During a recent appearance on ESPN's "KJM," Jay Williams came to the defense of one of the NBA's greatest players.

He said:

"Look, I'm, I'm glad Anthony Davis has been playing out of his mind. He's playing like that top five player over the last five games that we had talked about when he first came over to the Lakers organization."

He shared his views on the Lakers being better off without LeBron,

"I'm never gonna say a team's gonna be better without LeBron James being on the court, that's just dumb."

Is Jay Williams right about LeBron James and the LA Lakers?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

Even though the Lakers have managed to put together some wins, Jay Williams is spot on. LeBron James might be in his 20th season, but he is still one of the top players in the league. To say a team is better without him is incredibly foolish.

Heading into the year, many in and around the league agreed that LA had one of the weakest supporting cast in the league. If the team wants any shot at being competitive, they need their top duo on the floor together.

There is no denying that Anthony Davis appears to have turned a corner, but it is unlikely that he will be able to maintain this level of production throughout the season. When that decline begins, the Lakers will once again look to the four-time MVP to lead the charge.

LA should see this run as a major positive, but getting LeBron back as soon as possible is still a high priority. If AD can keep performing like this once he's back, the team just might be able to salvage their season.