LeBron James potentially missing a month due to sciatica is a gut punch to start the season. There’s no way around it. It’s bad news. Losing your 41-year-old franchise legend right before the season starts is never good, especially in a competitive Western Conference where a few losses to start the season could be the difference between making and missing the playoffs.
But I’m trying to keep myself sane, and I’m sure a lot of Lakers fans feel the same way. So instead of spiraling into panic, let’s take a breath and look at the silver lining.
Here are five positives from LeBron’s absence that could benefit the Lakers in the long run.
1. Extra Rest for LeBron
LeBron James is the oldest player in the league — 41 years old, Year 23 — and still playing at an All-NBA level. Earlier this summer, he mentioned on his podcast that he doesn’t need to come out of the gates blazing anymore. With Luka Doncic now on board, LeBron can focus less on October headlines and more on being healthy in April, May, and June.
The Lakers have been preaching “long game” for years, and now the schedule is forcing their hand. A month of rest could be the best thing for him — fewer miles on his legs, less wear on his back, and maybe a fresher version of LeBron when it really matters.
2. A Preview of the Post-LeBron Era
Whether it’s next year or two years from now, the post-LeBron era is coming. This stretch without him is the Lakers’ chance to see what that world looks like.
Can this current core survive without his IQ, defense, and leadership? Or does everything fall apart when he’s not on the floor? These games will tell the front office whether they’re just a few tweaks away from contending again — or if they’ll need a full rebuild around Luka as the franchise centerpiece.
In a way, this is an early stress test for Rob Pelinka’s long-term blueprint.
3. Austin Reaves Can Prove His Worth
Austin Reaves is expecting a big payday this offseason, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to prove he’s worth the raise. Without LeBron, he slides into the number 2 role next to Luka, which means more touches, more shot creation, and more pressure.
He’s shown flashes before — steady playmaking, shot-making, and poise — but now he gets an extended runway to show if that partnership truly works. If Reaves and Luka mesh the way the Lakers hope, it gives the front office confidence to lock him in as part of the long-term core. If not, it clarifies what direction they need to take next summer.
4. A Truly Luka-Centric Offense
No more worrying about stepping on LeBron’s toes, no more split-possession debates, no more questions about whose team this is. This is Luka’s offense, front to back.
He thrived in Dallas as the offensive engine, and now he gets full control in L.A. — complete with elite spacing, new pick-and-roll partners, and shooters ready to eat off his playmaking. Even though LeBron had already been willing to take a step back, this stretch forces the Lakers to fully embrace the Luka system.
If the team clicks offensively during this run, it could accelerate the transition into the Luka-led future the Lakers have been envisioning and could propel Doncic into an MVP season.
5. A Manageable Start to the Schedule
The schedule is never easy in the Western Conference, but if there’s ever a time to miss LeBron, it’s probably now. The first dozen games — Golden State, Minnesota, Sacramento, Portland, Memphis, and Miami — are a mix of tough matchups and winnable ones.
It’s not a cakewalk, but it’s doable. Luka Doncic has led far less talented teams to respectable starts in Dallas, and with Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura stepping up, the Lakers can absolutely stay afloat.
It’s not unreasonable for the team to come out of this stretch with a respectable record. If they’re in striking distance when LeBron returns, this will allow the team to find its rhythm without digging a hole in the standings.
The early season is about survival, not dominance — and a Luka-led Lakers team can manage that.
Final Thought
LeBron’s injury hurts, but it also forces growth. It gives the veterans rest, the young guys reps, and the organization clarity.
If the Lakers use this stretch to strengthen their identity and give Luka the freedom to lead, they won’t just survive without LeBron — they’ll start preparing for the day when they have to.
