Key Highlights
- The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a significant injury crisis early in the 2025-26 season.
- $130 million worth of talent is currently sidelined for their upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic are among those out with injuries.
- Austin Reaves has been performing exceptionally well despite the team’s struggles due to injuries.
The Lakers’ Season Starts on a Rough Note
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by coach JJ Redick, have had an inauspicious start to their 2025-26 NBA season. Despite boasting one of the league’s most expensive rosters, the team has been hit hard by injuries early on.
Key Injuries Plague the Team
The absence of key players is costing the Lakers dearly in terms of both talent and financial resources. According to a report from ESPN, $130 million worth of player salaries are currently unavailable for their upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Notable Absences Include Star Players
Several high-profile players remain on the sidelines due to various injuries:
- LeBron James, who is out with sciatica, could be sidelined for another three weeks according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. He aims to return by mid-November.
- Luka Doncic is missing due to a left finger sprain and leg contusion. Despite his early-season struggles, he averaged 46 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists with an impressive 62% shooting percentage.
His return is expected in about a week.
- Jaxson Hayes is out with a left patellar injury.
- Gabe Vincent, Adou Thiero, and Maxi Kleber are also sidelined, impacting the Lakers’ depth significantly.
Additionally, former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart is dealing with a right quad contusion since leaving the Boston Celtics. This leaves the Lakers severely short-handed for their upcoming game against the Blazers.
Reaves Stepping Up to Fill the Gap
In the face of these injuries, Austin Reaves has stepped up admirably, delivering an outstanding performance in a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. He scored a near triple-double with 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.
Coach Redick will need to rely heavily on Reaves and other available players like Deandre Ayton as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Blazers without key personnel such as Billups, who is currently under investigation by the FBI in an illegal gambling ring scheme.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers face a challenging road ahead. Their success will depend on how well they can navigate through this period of injury and manage their remaining roster effectively until key players return to form. The upcoming game against the Blazers serves as a crucial test for the team’s resilience and adaptability in the early season.
