The Los Angeles Lakers’ opening night contest against the Golden State Warriors didn’t go the way the organization hoped.
Luka Doncic netted 43 points and looked better than ever on the defensive end of the floor, but the Lakers couldn’t prevail in front of their home crowd (they endured a 119-109 loss).
LeBron James didn’t share the floor with Doncic and the rest of the crew due to injury, but will the 40-year-old superstar make his season debut with the Lakers tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Is LeBron James playing tonight vs. the Timberwolves?
No, James isn't playing against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves tonight. The four-time NBA champion forward has sciatica in his right side, resulting in an unexciting start to the year.
James, who’s entering his 23rd NBA season, didn’t play in the preseason for precautionary reasons.
The Lakers clearly aren’t taking any risks this early in the season, which’ll put more pressure on the franchise’s role players to elevate their play.
Everyone knows what to expect from Doncic and Austin Reaves, but assets such as Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura must do a better job of complementing the Lakers’ two backcourt stars in James’ absence (the 21-time All-Star is slated to return at some point in November).
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