The Lakers scored a big win Sunday over the Knicks, 110-97. It was quite possibly the best defensive game they've played all season. Many fans noted that LeBron James spent the game in street clothes (foot, elbow) and made a straight line connection to his absence and the results.

So are the Lakers better off without LeBron?

Broadly, no. But are they less complicated? Probably.

And where does LeBron's presence have the most negative impact? It's not on the side of the ball people tend to look.

And the debate itself reflects how a certain section of fans has always felt about LeBron as a Laker.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

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