The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for what could be a very successful season. After adding Luka Doncic, the Lakers have more direction than before, and LeBron James seems bought in to play second fiddle. However, itâs not all peachy in Hollywood.
There are very real conversations to be had about JJ Redickâs lineups and who will be the fifth starter. Doncic, James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton seem cemented in the starting five. Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura have strong cases to round out the lineup.
On top of that, the Lakersâ best lineup might not even be available to start the regular season, as James will miss all of the preseason with a glute injury.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Jamesâ Injury to Have Lasting Effects on Lakers
Doncic usurped James as the best player on the Lakers as soon as he arrived from the Dallas Mavericks last February, but James is still a capable contributor. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, cruising to his 21st All-NBA nod.
As the Lakers prep for a long season with Finals potential, James will not only miss valuable time to get in playing shape, but he might also not form the necessary team chemistry.Â
âThinking about LeBron and his absence more, this is a bad break for the Lakers right now, at least temporarily, if not longer term, just because the chemistry that you develop in training camp and the preseason, the on-court reps, this is the most the Lakers are gonna practice all season,â explained insider Jovan Buha on an October 1 episode of Buhaâs Block.
James is one of the more adaptable players in the NBA, although playing second fiddle is not something he is used to, even if he seems to agree to the theory.
James spent the summer working on catch-and-shoot 3s with the idea of allowing Doncic to play more on-ball, but until Redickâand fansâsee success firsthand, nothing can be taken for granted in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers Need to Set Winning Tone
16 of the Lakersâ first 26 games before Christmas will be against teams that missed the playoffs last season. That means, to start the season, the Lakers need to establish a lead in the standings before things get tough.
Without James, thatâs far from a guarantee, and the Lakers will still be building chemistry long after he comes back. For James, preserving his body and missing preseason is a no-brainer. For a Lakers team on the rise, losing their second-best player for a period of time, however short, is a disaster waiting to happen.
âI think this is a valuable opportunity to establish that on-court chemistry and synergy between Luka, LeBron, and Austin,â Buha added.
The Lakers wonât get that valuable opportunity, and if James pulls his usual schtick of slyly requesting the Lakers to do more as the trade deadline nears, he might have to look inward.
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