Full Breakdown
Lakers Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Regular Season
10/13/2025, 12:07:42 PM
Injury Concerns for Austin Reaves
During the Los Angeles Lakers' third preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, guard Austin Reaves sustained a right knee and ankle injury following a collision with Brandin Podziemski. Before the injury, Reaves had an impressive performance, scoring 21 points in just 22 minutes with a shooting percentage of 70%. After the incident, Luka Doncic, who was not playing, advised Reaves to end his night, stating, “Alright, that’s enough.” Consequently, the Lakers ruled Reaves out for the remainder of the game, taking him for further evaluation and ice treatment. The potential severity of Reaves' injury raises concerns for the Lakers, especially as they are already without LeBron James, who is sidelined due to sciatica.
Luka Doncic's Preseason Participation
Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers this summer after a successful EuroBasket campaign with Slovenia, has yet to make his preseason debut. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic is expected to play in two of the remaining four preseason games, although his status for the upcoming matchup against the Warriors was still uncertain. Doncic emphasized the need for the team to adopt a “next man up” mentality in light of James' absence, stating, “It’s a big change. But our mentality needs to be next up.” He also acknowledged the importance of building chemistry among the team, particularly with key players missing.
Impact of LeBron James' Absence
LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opening night for the first time in his 23-year career due to a nerve irritation issue in his right side. He is expected to be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, which places additional pressure on Doncic and the rest of the roster to step up in his absence. Redick noted that the team had anticipated James' challenges during training camp, allowing them to adjust their game planning accordingly. The Lakers aim to maintain competitiveness despite the significant loss of their star player.
Official Statements & Responses
JJ Redick has been vocal about the challenges of managing player health during the busy preseason schedule. He acknowledged the importance of balancing game exposure with practice time, stating, “I think more practices would be beneficial.” He also expressed hope for a future balance between practice and game time to enhance team chemistry. Meanwhile, Doncic remains focused on contributing to the team's success, saying, “I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win.”
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns about the Lakers' decision to push through a busy six-game preseason schedule, suggesting that it may hinder their ability to build on-court chemistry. Redick responded to these concerns by emphasizing the need to make the most of the situation, stating, “These are the cards that we were dealt. I sure would like everybody to be healthy.”
What's Next
The Lakers will continue their preseason with three remaining games, including matchups against the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings. The team is hopeful that both Doncic and Reaves can contribute as they prepare for the regular season opener against the Warriors on October 21. The Lakers' ability to adapt and maintain competitiveness will be crucial as they navigate these injury challenges.
