The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-4 to start the season, all without LeBron James. As ‘The King’ manages a nerve injury in his back, Luka Doncic has been playing MVP-level basketball. He has snatched the title of face of the Lakers from James.
Despite Doncic’s elite play, the biggest success story in Los Angeles is Austin Reaves. He is averaging 31.1 points per game so far, and he kept the Lakers afloat while both James and Doncic missed some time.
Reaves missed the last three games with a groin strain. In those contests, the Lakers went 2-1, beating the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. Their lone loss in that span was a 20-point blowout to the Atlanta Hawks.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Get Austin Reaves Injury Update
Doncic has missed four games already this season, but the only contest to feature no James, Reaves, or Doncic was a win over Portland. The Lakers have been able to stay afloat. Still, they are clearly best when they are healthy.
While there are concerns about how James will slot into the rotation, adding the game’s greatest player is certainly more of a help than a burden. Still, getting Reaves back may be more exciting than having James return.
LeBron is targeting a November 18th return at the earliest. Reaves, on the other hand, could suit up for the Lakers’ next game against the Charlotte Hornets.
James, Gabe Vincent, and Adou Thiero all remain out. Thiero is yet to make his NBA debut, and Vincent hasn’t played since October.
The Hornets will be without Grant Williams, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, and LaMelo Ball, who has an ankle injury.
Los Angeles Lakers Face Tough Schedule
In the loaded Western Conference, it’s rare to be able to coast for a game, let alone an injury-riddled stretch. James will be back on November 18th at the very earliest, and before then, the Lakers have a hard two weeks.
After a relatively easy matchup against the Hornets, the Lakers have to take on the OKC Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Milwaukee Bucks. After that, James might make his debut against the Utah Jazz.
The Pelicans, while not great, offer some physicality that could slow the Lakers down. Milwaukee and OKC, meanwhile, each boast some of the best players in the NBA.
For the Lakers to remain near the top of the standings without James, getting Reaves back is key. However, with value placed on the postseason and not the NBA Cup, rushing Reaves back would be foolhardy.
Even without Reaves or James, expect the Lakers to be heavy favorites against an injured Hornets squad.
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