JJ Redick is still figuring out how the Lakers will line up without LeBron James. Speaking with reporters, the first-year head coach admitted he’s uncertain about the team’s starting five while LeBron remains sidelined with a right-side nerve issue.
“You hope that he’s back soon,” Redick said, via Dave McMenamin. “Those things can be tricky. It is unclear what the starting lineup is going to be, that’s the reality, until he is back. We’ll have to figure that out.”’
All signs were pointing to a normal debut for James this season. After averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting in 2024-25, he staved off retirement to play out the final year of his deal. Even at 40 years old, he’s expected to play a major role in the rotation this season but the latest news does not reflect well on his current health.
According to the doctors, James is dealing with sciatica on his right side that will not only keep him from the pre-season, but also force him to miss opening night for the first time in his career. The official timetable is three to four weeks but it could stretch on for longer out of an overabundance of caution for James.
At this stage of his career, LeBron cannot afford any major setbacks and forcing him back early is a risk the Lakers are unwilling to take. Even if it means going without him for an extended time, the team knows better than to rush James into action before he’s ready.
Until he’s healthy again, all the players can do is step up and fill the void in his absence. For Luka Doncic, the mentality is “next man up” and it starts with his leadership in the locker room. If Doncic set the right example and keep his teammates focused on the mission, it make a major difference in keeping the Lakers afloat while James is out.
As for the temporary lineup, not even JJ Redick has settled on an answer. Normally, James would start alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura, Without LeBron, however, there’s no clear option on the wing and Redick will have to settle between Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt.
Whatever the Lakers decide, how they respond to this stretch without James will tell us a lot about this season. While it may only be a small number of games, LeBron is likely to miss a lot of time going forward and if they can figure out a plan now, it will help them stay afloat even if he misses more time down the road.
Mostly, the Lakers will just need someone to step up and carry the load for LeBron. Whether that’s Luka, Reaves, or someone else, they’ll need to make up for LeBron’s absence somehow and they don’t have much time to waste.
The Lakers are entering the season with uncertainty, but this stretch could define their identity early. Without LeBron, JJ Redick has a chance to prove himself as a first-year coach and build trust in his system. If Luka Doncic and the rest of the roster can hold the line until James returns, it’ll send a clear message that this team can contend no matter who’s available.
