The Los Angeles Lakers are already off to a rough start in the 2025-26 season, even though it hasn't officially begun.
On Thursday, the franchise received unfortunate injury news regarding four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
“Lakers star LeBron James is sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday. “He is out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.”
While many believed James could miss the entire preseason due to injury, many were still optimistic that the 21-time All-Star would be good to go for opening night.
However, James, who missed the Lakers’ first practice last Tuesday, is clearly not 100% in early October, leaving him no choice but to sit out the first few games of the season.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has plenty of weapons to stay afloat in James’ short absence.
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Luka Doncic will headline the James-less Lakers, as the former Dallas Mavericks phenomenon is eager to show he’s improved dramatically in the fitness and on-ball defense departments.
Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart are also capable contributors who expect to fulfill their individual roles to the best of their ability.
With James’ recent setback not being characterized as season-ending, Lakers fans should be relieved that the 21-time All-Star will return to action in no time to help his championship-hopeful squad.
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