The Lakers barely edged out the Timberwolves, winning 116-115, and now hold a 3-2 record. They’ve been navigating the season without their longtime star, LeBron James, who has been out since the preseason. The hope was that Luka Dončić could carry the team in LeBron’s absence, but that plan has faced setbacks when Luka was sidelined with injury. As a result, the Lakers have been constantly adjusting their rotations just to keep the team competitive until the duo is back on the floor. On a brighter note, the dates for their homecoming have finally been announced. 

During the game against the Timberwolves, ESPN commentators confirmed what Shams Charania had reported. “LeBron could potentially return on November 15th from his sciatica injury in his back,” they said. Meanwhile, regarding Luka Dončić, who is dealing with a finger and leg contusion, JJ Redick shared, “He was hopeful that he’d be back next week.”

Fans were eagerly anticipating seeing the 40-year-old legend suit up for his 23rd season on October 21, rocking the much-discussed Lakers jersey. But the plan hit a snag during the preseason when LeBron James had to miss practices and games due to what first seemed like a nerve irritation in his glutes, which we now know is sciatica.

Early reports suggested he’d sit out the start of the season for three to four weeks, marking yet another first for LeBron.

By mid-October, Shams Charania reported that both the Lakers and James were aiming for a mid-November return, with LeBron taking a “patient approach” to his recovery.

The timing couldn’t be tougher; even at 40, he’s still central to L.A.’s game plan and one of their most reliable contributors. Last season, he averaged nearly 35 minutes per game, posting numbers that rival many younger stars.

JJ Redick added insight, with Dave McMenamin noting on X that “there is no set return date in mind for LeBron James but the team is eyeing the second or third week of November as the general range.” Last year, LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on over 51% shooting in 70 games.

Even when he returns, his stats may dip slightly, with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves already stepping up to carry the team.

Luka Dončić has been sidelined for three straight games with a finger sprain and a leg contusion, leaving the Lakers without their do-it-all guard. Before missing action, Luka had been on fire, scoring 43 points in the season opener and 49 points against Minnesota last Friday, along with a combined 23 rebounds and 17 assists in those two games.

His left hand was heavily taped during that Minnesota game, showing just how much he was pushing through to help the team.

Redick told reporters he’s “hopeful” the Lakers’ superstar will return not later than the next couple of games. McMenamin added, “[Redick] said the sprained finger on Dončić’s left hand has gone from double its normal size to 1.5x its normal size, so that is progress. Said Dončić remains day to day. LAL plays Memphis on Friday and Dončić is not currently on the trip with the team.”

For now, Dončić remains day-to-day and isn’t hitting the road with the team, which wraps up Friday in Memphis.

Despite the setbacks, Dončić has been nothing short of spectacular in the games he’s played, averaging 46 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. He became the first player in Lakers history to score more than 90 points across the first two games of a season.

Some of the wear and tear could be linked to his heavy FIBA EuroBasket schedule, where he carried Slovenia to the quarterfinals just weeks before training camp. But the Lakers aren’t letting the absences weigh them down.

Are the Lakers struggling without their star players?

After LeBron James went down, the Lakers’ next hope was Luka Dončić. But with him sidelined too, it felt like Los Angeles might crumble under the weight of its injury list. The Lakers have been battered by injuries all around.

Rookie Adou Thiero and veteran Maxi Kleber have yet to play, while Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes keep bouncing on and off the injury report. 

At one point, Redick had only seven full-time players available against the Blazers. As Jacob Rude of Silver Screen and Roll put it, “No matter who is available, it’s going to be a mix-and-match type of night… The hope is that someone has a big night scoring the ball and the Lakers are able to steal another win, but the deck is stacked against them.”

However, Austin Reaves has stepped up in a big way, not just as a scorer, but as the Lakers’ heartbeat. Averaging 35.8 points per game, he ranks third in the league in scoring and fourth in total points, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

His recent buzzer-beater against the Timberwolves, which lifted L.A. to a 3–2 record, was yet another reminder of his dominance. 

He’s putting up 35.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds on absurd efficiency, 57.3% from the field and nearly 43% from deep. Redick summed it up best: “The biggest thing was him taking a step forward as a leader. He knows this is as much his team as LeBron’s or Luka’s. He’s no longer the undrafted guy — he’s one of the guys now.”

And maybe, just maybe, all this struggle is helping the Lakers grow. Candace Parker hinted as much during the Timberwolves game, saying this could “end up being great for the Lakers” as others learn to handle more playmaking and ball-handling duties. But Redick, admitted after the opening loss to the Warriors that it’d “be great to have LeBron just to throw it to in the high post.”

But hey, we all know the better days are just around the corner.