The Los Angeles Lakers began the 2025–26 season with a 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors — but the real story wasn’t the scoreboard. It was LeBron James, sitting quietly at the end of the bench. For the first time in his 23-year career, the 40-year-old superstar missed an opening-night game, sidelined by a sciatic back injury.
Throughout the contest, cameras captured James mostly detached — rarely clapping, cheering, or engaging with teammates — even as Luka Dončić erupted for 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in his Lakers regular-season debut.
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Buha Highlights Uneasy “Vibes”
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Lakers insider Jovan Buha addressed the growing chatter surrounding James’ body language on his Buha’s Block podcast, offering a candid assessment.
“Yeah, I mean I don’t wanna play armchair psychologist here, so I wanna refrain from too much speculation,” Buha said. “But the vibes with that situation have not been the best, I’ll say. I thought there were times just looking at the huddle or the bench that he wasn’t as engaged as he typically is when he’s out.”
Buha emphasized that no one outside James truly knows what’s behind the subdued demeanor — it could be injury frustration, fatigue, or something deeper. Still, he admitted that this felt “different than what it has been in the past in this same situation of him being out.”
A Franchise in Transition
That “difference” may reflect a changing dynamic in Los Angeles. The Lakers have clearly begun to center their offense around Dončić, who was acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. While Dončić looked every bit the franchise cornerstone, the rest of the roster struggled. Deandre Ayton managed just 10 points and four turnovers, and Austin Reaves’ late scoring couldn’t close the gap.
James’ subdued presence comes amid uncertainty about his future. His agent, Rich Paul, hinted in June that both were evaluating “the best situation” for another championship push, while reports surfaced that the Lakers hadn’t discussed an extension with him.
What Comes Next
James’ recovery timeline remains uncertain — he’s expected to miss 11–14 games and could return in mid-November. In the meantime, his quiet presence looms large. Whether it’s frustration, reflection, or simple restlessness, Buha’s words capture the moment best: the vibes have not been the best.
