LeBron James Enters Historic 23rd Season With Career First

If he heals quickly, he could theoretically be back in action before the end of the month. However, as he ages, it seems to take him longer to heal from injuries. In fact, he’s played fewer than 60 games in four of the last seven seasons. Therefore, it may be more reasonable to expect a November return for James.

Winning Without LeBron James

Keeping that in perspective, the Lakers will play six games in October . After facing the Golden State Warriors in the season opener on Oct. 21, they go on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves (twice), Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Memphis Grizzlies. With Luka Doncic in tow, L.A. will be given a fighter’s chance when they face contenders like the Timberwolves, Kings and Grizzlies. Even without Doncic, they may be able to take down the hungry but often hapless Blazers.

So far as November is concerned, the Lakers have three opponents the first week of the month: the Blazers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs. They have four opponents the second week: the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New Orleans Pelicans. On the surface, this would seem to be a less foreboding gauntlet than what they find in their October slate. To that point, only the Thunder and the Heat are universally respected as contending teams. However, their other opponents aren’t just going to lay down after completing major offseason trades to improve.

In sum, the Lakers could get off to a decent start in 2025-26. Nonetheless, it won’t be a cake walk. In fact, it’ll be a tremendous opportunity for Doncic to prove that the franchise is in good hands without James.