The Los Angeles Lakers began their 2025-26 season on a rough note, falling 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors in a game that raised as many questions about their chemistry as it did about their defense. Luka Doncic was spectacular in his regular-season debut with the Lakers, putting up 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, but the headlines afterward weren’t about his stat line, they were about LeBron James’ unusual demeanor on the bench.
For the first time in his 23-year career, LeBron missed a season opener, sidelined by sciatica that will reportedly keep him out until mid-November. But what drew fan attention wasn’t just his absence from the court; it was his silence off it. Cameras caught LeBron sitting stoically for much of the game, rarely clapping, talking, or showing emotion, even as Luka hit tough shots and the Lakers clawed back into contention.
LeBron’s hands did not leave his side a single time during any of these. Not a clap, signal of acknowledgement, nothing pic.twitter.com/JqHKAu0z3g
— coopz (@Coopz___) October 22, 2025
One fan in attendance, Daman Rangoola, sparked discussion online after tweeting:
“I’m not a body language doctor by profession, and this is just one man’s observation: LeBron was disconnected all night, not interacting with the team, coaches, or what was taking place on the court all game. Don’t kill the messenger, just reporting what I saw.”
Rangoola went on to clarify that he wasn’t implying conflict, only that LeBron’s behavior was different from what he’d observed at dozens of games over the years.
“I’ve been going to games for years, I noted an observation (that I stand by) for something that stood out. It could be anything, I didn’t speculate on any reason – it is just different than other times I’ve seen him on bench. I’m tripling down on it, I know what I saw.”
His observation quickly went viral, fueling speculation about whether there might be tension brewing between LeBron and the team’s new star, Luka Doncic. During preseason, Lakers Insider Anthony F. Irwin had also noticed that LeBron and Luka rarely interacted during games, even when both were sitting on the bench.
“One thing I was paying some extra attention to was how little he and Luka interacted during preseason games, even if they weren’t playing. He and AD were CONSTANTLY talking. We saw none of that over the last month.”
That comparison is notable; LeBron’s bond with Anthony Davis runs deep. The two won a championship together in 2020, and their relationship is built on years of mutual trust. Davis was handpicked by LeBron, the player he wanted to lead the Lakers into their next era.
Luka, on the other hand, was traded to Los Angeles in the blockbuster deal that sent Davis to Dallas. LeBron has never publicly shown disinterest in playing with Luka, but it’s clear the relationship is still developing, and it’s very different from the natural camaraderie he shares with AD.
It’s also possible that LeBron’s behavior was simply a product of frustration. Missing opening night for the first time in over two decades is no small thing for a competitor like him. For someone who’s built his legacy on showing up when it matters, sitting in street clothes while his team battled the Warriors might have been emotionally draining.
The Lakers have 11 to 14 games to navigate before LeBron is expected to return, and his absence leaves a significant void in both leadership and playmaking. If Los Angeles can stay afloat, going, say, 8-7 or 9-6 during that stretch, it would be a promising start. But if chemistry questions continue to linger, the early-season struggles could snowball.
For now, LeBron’s silence has become one of the most talked-about storylines in the league. Whether it was just a veteran’s frustration at being sidelined or an early sign of disconnect between him and the new-look Lakers, one thing is certain: the cameras will be watching his every move until he’s back on the court.
