Lakers Navigate Early Season Without LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to sciatica, a nerve irritation affecting his right side. The Lakers announced that James will be sidelined for approximately three to four weeks, which could result in him missing five to nine games. This injury, which first developed during an offseason workout in late July or early August, has disrupted his training regimen and prevented him from participating in the team's preseason preparations.

Heavy

With James out, Luka Doncic emerges as the Lakers' primary star. Doncic has emphasized a "next man up" mentality, stating, "I just want to play basketball... whatever it takes for me to get a win." He has expressed confidence in his teammates, including Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, to step up during this challenging period. Doncic's leadership will be crucial as the Lakers aim to establish their identity without their veteran superstar.

Luka Doncic Says Lakers Must Adopt ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality Without LeBron James

Lakers head coach JJ Redick faces the challenge of adjusting the team's lineup in James' absence. He has indicated that he may implement different rotations for games with and without James. Redick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup, stating, "It is unclear what the starting lineup is going to be... until he is back." The Lakers have several new players, including Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, who will need to integrate quickly into the team's system.

Bleacher Report

The Lakers' early schedule presents a significant challenge, with eight games in the first 13 days of the season. The pressure is on Doncic and the rest of the team to perform well to avoid falling behind in the competitive Western Conference. NBA insider Dave McMenamin noted that James will be closely monitoring the team's performance during his recovery, which could influence his future with the franchise. If the Lakers struggle, it may prompt discussions about James' long-term commitment to the team.

Newsweek

Critics have raised concerns about the Lakers' ability to maintain competitiveness without James, especially given his significant contributions last season, where he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. The team's success will depend on how well Doncic and the supporting cast can adapt to the absence of their leader.

Dave McMenamin warns LA Lakers what LeBron James could do if they struggle during his absence

• “I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win.” — Luka Doncic, Lakers Guard

ESPN

• “You hope he can be back soon,” — JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

Bleacher Report

• “LeBron’s gonna be watching this team while he’s out. And if while he is out, they are struggling, that could lead to the next step that we could see at some point this season,” — Dave McMenamin, NBA Insider

EssentiallySports

As the Lakers prepare for the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, the focus will be on how they adapt to the absence of LeBron James and whether they can establish a winning rhythm early in the campaign.

Newsweek