Big injury news out of LA, as it was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania that Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James can be out until November due to a back injury. It was also stated on October 9th that James would miss 3-4 weeks, but it could seem like the injury is more extensive than originally thought.
Shams said on NBA Countdown (Lakers vs Mavs preseason contest) that October 30th is when the team will re-evaluate James.
Shams also reported on NBA Today last week that LeBron had a nerve issue in his back that was sustained in an on-court workout back in late July to early August 2025.
With the recent news of James’ injury timetable, what does this mean for the Lakers and their roster going forward?
3 Los Angeles Lakers Under The Most Pressure Without LeBron James
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic will need to step up in LeBron’s absence and lead the team on the floor. Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA, and he could show that he’s the future of the Lakers with how he plays this season and the impact he creates.
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Doncic will possibly take the role of the primary ball handler and will need to keep the offense efficient and get the other players involved, like Austin Reaves. Some say it’s Doncic’s team now, and there’s a chance to validate that.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has been a reliable third option for the Lakers the last three years as he averaged 20.21 points, 5.77 assists, and 4.51 rebounds per game in 2024-25. Reaves will now be the #2 option for the Lakers with LeBron out of action for some time.
He does a good job of scoring and shooting the three at a career percentage of 37.0. If Doncic and Reaves can get on the same page, their duo can make some magic this year and keep things afloat.
Will he be able to take on the task of being the second scoring option? Some would say yes, he can.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last year, and although he carries a substantial amount of talent, Knecht has been the frequent subject of trade rumors and was even dealt in a trade for now Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams while he was a Charlotte Hornet in February 2025. The trade didn’t finalize due to Williams failing a physical with the Lakers.
This preseason, Knecht had 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists vs the Golden State Warriors and followed that up with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists vs the Dallas Mavericks. But now Dalton Knecht has an opportunity to show LA why he should be on the team and a major part of it.
Now it’s about Knecht rising to the occasion and proving that he has even more value.
Who’s under the most pressure for the Los Angeles Lakers this season? Comment below, Laker Nation.
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