Examining Lakers' Schedule, Projecting Record While LeBron James is Out With Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that superstar LeBron James will be re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks due to sciatica on his right side.
Obviously, it's unclear how long James will be out. Hopefully James heals well enough to be back as soon as possible after that three-to-four week window.
However, that timeframe means that, at minimum, James should be out for the team's first five games, which will occur from Oct. 21-29.
In theory, James could be evaluated in three weeks from Thursday, Oct. 9 (so Thursday, Oct. 30) and perhaps be cleared for his team's next game, which would be Friday, Oct. 31 at the Memphis Grizzlies.
That's the most optimistic view on the matter. It's certainly possible James misses at least four weeks. Ultimately, it's probably smartest for L.A. to take a cautious approach here. The 40-year-old James is entering his 23rd NBA season, and it's a long road to the playoffs, where Los Angeles certainly hopes to make a deep run.
So James will miss some time. If he's out for the full four-week timeline, that would mean he sits through the first nine games of the year, through Wednesday, Nov. 5 at home versus the San Antonio Spurs.
Here's a prediction of how the Lakers will do without James if he is sidelined that long.
Lakers' Start to Season and Predicted Record Without James (5-4)
Tuesday, Oct. 21: vs. Golden State Warriors (loss)
Friday, Oct. 24: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (loss)
Sunday, Oct. 26: at Sacramento Kings (win)
Monday, Oct. 27: vs. Portland Trail Blazers (win)
Wednesday, Oct. 29: at Minnesota Timberwolves (loss)
Friday, Oct. 31: at Memphis Grizzlies (win)
Sunday, Nov. 2: vs. Miami Heat (win)
Monday, Nov. 3: at Portland Trail Blazers (win)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: vs. San Antonio Spurs (loss)
After that stretch, the Lakers play five games over eight days (and six contests in 11 days). It's possible James is sidelined for a bit longer after his re-evaluation. If he is out during this stretch, here's a prediction of how the Lakers will fare.
Lakers' Mid-November Stretch and Predicted Record If They Are Without James (3-3; 8-7 Overall)
Saturday, Nov. 8: at Atlanta Hawks (loss)
Monday, Nov. 10: at Charlotte Hornets (win)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: at Oklahoma City Thunder (loss)
Friday, Nov. 14: at New Orleans Pelicans (win)
Saturday, Nov. 15: at Milwaukee Bucks (loss)
Tuesday, Nov. 18: vs. Utah Jazz (win)
The schedule eases up a bit from there, with the team enjoying four off-days before traveling to play the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Obviously, losing James for any amount of time is rough. The 21-time All-Star, four-time NBA MVP and living legend averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last season for a 50-win Lakers team. He also earned All-NBA Second Team honors for his efforts.
Needless to say, the Lakers historically don't fare well without James, going 56-78, per StatMuse. Last year's team went just 6-6 without James.
This team clearly has some talent to tread water before he gets back, though, led by four-time All-NBA guard Luka Dončić. He's flanked by a few newcomers, most notably new starting big man Deandre Ayton, combo guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia. L.A. also brings back some productive players who have done quite well of late, including Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
For now, the Lakers are without James, but the sincere hope is he's back sooner rather than later. In the meantime, L.A. begins the 2025-26 campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at home versus the Golden State Warriors.
