The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season with high expectations, but the early stretch has already been defined by misfortune and mounting absences. Through four games, seven players are sidelined, creating a roster and financial crunch few could have anticipated.
According to Chaitanya Dadhwal of Fadeaway World, the Lakers’ total payroll sits at approximately $195 million for the season, yet the seven injured players account for over $132 million. In other words, nearly 80% of the team’s salary is tied up in players who cannot currently contribute. “That means 80% of their carefully curated active roster is on the bench, injured, and unable to participate,” Dadhwal notes.
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The team’s marquee players, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, have been among the most costly absences. James, out with a right sciatica injury, carries a $52 million cap hit and is not expected back until mid-November. Doncic will miss at least a week due to a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion, a timeline that remains unpredictable. With both stars sidelined, head coach JJ Redick has been forced to rely on his supporting cast.
Bench Depth Under Pressure
The bench was expected to carry the load through early-season injuries, but inconsistencies and further absences have compounded the problem. Austin Reaves has been a bright spot, recording a career-high 51 points in Sunday’s 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, but his heroics cannot mask the roster’s vulnerabilities.
Other key players, including Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), Marcus Smart ($5.1M), Maxi Kleber ($11M), Jaxson Hayes ($3M), and rookie Adou Thiero ($1.2M), are all sidelined for varying stretches due to ankle, quad, oblique, and knee issues. Vincent, who rolled his ankle against the Kings, was seen in a walking boot. Smart sustained a right quad contusion. Kleber and Thiero are both awaiting further evaluation, with timelines for return still uncertain.
Financial and Strategic Implications
Dadhwal emphasizes the staggering financial impact: “Out of the $195 million payroll, $30 million is in effect going to players who are no longer active on the roster… 67% of their payroll money is benched for this game.” The Lakers’ investment in top-tier talent has been compromised by injury, leaving Redick with a patchwork lineup and forcing lesser-used players like Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and two-way players Chris Mañon, Christian Koloko, and Nick Smith Jr. to fill the gaps.
Navigating the Rollercoaster
Even with the team down seven full-time players, the Lakers still managed a win against the Kings, largely thanks to Reaves’ historic performance. However, Monday’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers highlights the ongoing challenge: lineups that have never played together must now carry the team. Redick’s ability to cobble together functional rotations from this limited pool will be critical as the season progresses.
In short, the Lakers are paying a steep price for their high hopes—both on the court and in the salary cap. While standout performances like Reaves’ give fans reason for optimism, the early-season injury crisis underscores the fragility of relying so heavily on star talent. For Los Angeles, the next few weeks will test both depth and resilience.
