The vibes aren't high for the Los Angeles Lakers with the start of the regular season less than two weeks away.
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha said on his podcast that he doesn't feel like the vibes are bad, but that he thinks there is a little "frustration" and "tension" that's "simmering" with not having players available. Buha made it clear that he doesn't think there is a scapegoat, as there isn't anyone at fault. He reflected on the excitement that was present at media day and how it has continued to fade every day since.
Los Angeles is missing several key players, notably the biggest names, Luka Dončić and LeBron James. The former isn't dealing with an injury, but hasn't played in a preseason game (he has practiced), while the latter won't play in the preseason at all as he deals with nerve irritation in his glute (he's also 40 years old).
When asked about LeBron James’ progression in camp, Redick said: “He’s on his own timeline” https://t.co/9uKDrhcG4E
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 9, 2025
On Thursday afternoon, Charania confirmed what fans had begun to fear — that LeBron would miss the start of the season.
Lakers star LeBron James is sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side. He is out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 9, 2025
Deandre Ayton, the Lakers' new starting center, hasn't shared the floor with Luka and LeBron yet (he has practiced with Luka), which clearly isn't ideal. He said that JJ Redick and the coaching staff "probably has something where they can put stuff together for all of us to really build chemistry." One can only hope!
Lakers are still without their two stars (plus a few other players)
Los Angeles has played two preseason games, both losses. The preseason isn't about wins or losses, though. It's a time for teams to mesh their offseason additions with their existing players on the court without the pressure of the scoreboard, to try out different lineups, and for younger players who won't get much playing time during the season to show what they've got.
Fans haven't been able to get a glimpse into the kind of team that the Lakers can be, due to injuries and load management. As Buha noted, what LA showed in its first two preseason games was either "mildly disappointing" or "very disappointing," depending on how you look at it. Either result isn't good.
It's still early, though. If this were the period between the end of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs (and that's only assuming the Lakers wouldn't be in the play-in tournament), then there would be a lot to worry about. The goal is to make it to the postseason healthy.
Los Angeles might not be off to a good start, but hey, that could change. At least, it better!