The last few months have been tricky for the Lakers. JJ Redick and Co. are heading into their regular-season opener against the Warriors with a significant change. LeBron James, who has been dealing with a sciatica issue, hasn’t played a game of basketball for quite a few months, not weeks, now. As fans, we’ve all hoped he would recover in time for the game on October 21st. However, the LA side recently issued an update on his availability.

The Lakers have listed LeBron James out with the same issue (right sciatica). Sources indicate that he will continue rehabilitation until a reassessment in mid-November. The timing of the injury is critical. They’ll be looking to find results against contenders like the Timberwolves, Spurs, Hawks, and Thunder, all of whom will also want to build an early lead.

The Lakers will also be without their second-round rookie Adou Thiero, who has been recovering from surgery dating back to his time at Arkansas. He was diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee. Despite progression to on-court activities last week, the training staff is looking to build his strength before another reevaluation in 2-3 weeks.

Veteran big man Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable, leaving the Lakers‘ frontcourt rotation weak until LeBron James returns. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt is set to step up in their absence.

Bronny James was dealing with an ankle sprain, but he isn’t on the list of casualties anymore. The head coach revealed that he was a full participant in practice on Monday.

However, head coach JJ Redick is facing the challenge of reconfiguring the roster around Luka Doncic, which is currently at its best iteration since his arrival in midseason. Doncic recently made it clear they’re ready to compete, even if King James is missing… “Honestly, I think we have a great team. We have what we need to compete for the championship. I’ll try to win every game no matter what, and we got some new great guys on the team. We’re going to go for it,” he said. Now, the LA team’s system and energy will be put to the test against a veteran squad looking to take advantage wherever possible.

Key injuries shaping the opening night Lakers-Warriors matchup, potential lineups

With LeBron James sidelined, the Lakers are leaning on a smaller starting five to face the Warriors. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that the lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Gabe Vincent, who started the final preseason game against the Kings, will be the starters on opening night, via Jovan Buha.

JJ Redick called the preseason finale a “dress rehearsal.”

“I don’t know anything about who I’m going to be starting the rest of the season, because, again, there’s injuries, and there’s things that happen throughout a year. I don’t know. I have a pretty good idea who’s going to start Game 1. After that, I don’t know,” the Lakers head coach said.

As for the Warriors, the starting lineup is not yet known. Head coach Steve Kerr, during an interview, gave a preview of the lineup, but added that he wasn’t certain: “I feel pretty confident that Steph Curry will be in the starting lineup… Draymond will be out there. If Jimmy plays, Jimmy will be out there. And with Moses out, that’s kind of the question, so BP [Brandin Podziemski] will be out there. The fifth spot could be Al. I’m being way too generous, I guess.”

Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sat out most of the preseason while nursing ankle and calf injuries, respectively, but the former is expected to take the floor for Golden State.

Steve Kerr also added the possibility of forward Jonathan Kuminga starting over the 39-year-old Al Horford, whom the HC wishes to put on a 20 to 24-minute restriction given his age.

“If it’s not Al, it could be JK,” Kerr said, before adding, “It could be any one of a number of players, honestly. But what we have to think about is what that does to the rotation and what that means coming off the bench. Honestly, we haven’t decided yet, and I’ve got to talk to guys as well,” Kerr said.

With the Lakers coping with LeBron James’ absence and the Dubs managing their own roster concerns, role players stepping up could prove pivotal in the highly anticipated season-opener.