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          How good can these Lakers be with LeBron out?

          What should we expect from L.A. now? Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
          • Kevin Pelton, ESPN Senior WriterDec 27, 2018, 04:01 PM ET
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            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
            • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
            • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
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          Can the Los Angeles Lakers keep up their competitive play without LeBron James if he's indeed sidelined by a groin injury longer than initially indicated, as they are preparing for according to a report Thursday by ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski?