The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 2 - Rachel Nichols stops by The Herd
Feb 26, 2026
Rachel Nichols, veteran NBA reporter and analyst with decades covering the league. She discusses why the Lakers might pivot from LeBron to build around Luka Dončić. Short takes on how to transition LeBron respectfully. Talks about tanking as a symptom, draft reform ideas, Victor Wembanyama’s ceiling, and how medical concerns can affect draft stock.
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Lakers Lean Toward Building Around Luka
- The Lakers appear to be preparing to build around Luka Doncic rather than LeBron James according to Rachel Nichols.
- Nichols cites roster fit, defensive breakdowns when Luka and LeBron share the floor, and summer cap flexibility without LeBron as driving factors.
Have A Clear Role Talk With LeBron
- If LeBron wants to return, the Lakers must have a frank conversation about role and minutes rather than just salary.
- Rachel Nichols says the team should clarify whether LeBron will be a late-game on-court presence given defensive and fit issues with Luka and Austin Reaves.
Tanking Is A Symptom Not The Problem
- Tanking is a symptom, not the root problem; the underlying issue is that bad NBA teams lack viable avenues to improve.
- Nichols argues rule changes that further punish bad teams (like flattening lottery odds) will worsen their ability to get better.