The Los Angeles Lakers are one of a handful of NBA teams with very real title hopes. Anything short of raising an 18th banner would be considered a disappointment. Luckily, Los Angeles boasts the star talent to get the job done.
Between Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have three players with All-Star potential. However, their trio won’t be intact to start the season, as James is sidelined with sciatica.
For now, that means Doncic will run the show (good) without the second-best player on the team (bad). With sky-high expectations, the Lakers need to be successful right away.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
How Los Angeles Lakers Benefit From Injury
Despite his age and injury, James has proven that he can play at an All-NBA level. The only thing standing in his way is the 65-game threshold. With some pressure to make his 22nd All-NBA appearance, James shouldn’t be out for long.
In limited action without James this season, Doncic is expected to establish himself as the on-court leader of the team.
“He’s gonna be back mid-November, and I honestly think it could be a blessing in disguise just to allow Luka to get his legs under him,” outlined Chandler Parsons on FanDuel’s Run It Back. “Let him kind of keep developing that chemistry.”
By the time James returns, he will quickly assume the role of co-star to Doncic, although his new role will clearly be defined. On top of that, other supporting players will be more battle-tested by then.
“I think that gives him more time for Luka to get established in the offense,” Parsons added. “Guys like Austin Reaves will kind of get going early, and LeBron, I think at this point in his career, he obviously he’s still gonna have an important role, but it might not be the same kind of thing we’ve seen before.”
Lakers Must Make LeBron James’ Role Clear
James has played with his fair share of Hall of Fame talent. Ray Allen, Kyrie Irving, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony have all suited up with ‘The King.’
Doncic is the first to ever usurp him as the centerpiece of the franchise. James seems content with playing the second option and chasing a title. However, not having the ball in his hands might be hard to digest.
It’s up to Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick to sit James down after Doncic finds initial success and be blunt: “This is the direction the Lakers are going in, and we would love for you to play a big role.”
Of course, James has played a “big role” his entire career. The Lakers and Doncic need to prove that they can win without him and dominate with him. To start the season, they will have time to prove that as James recovers.
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