This past Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics delivered another thrilling installment in their historic rivalry. Despite Boston’s nine-game winning streak against the defending champions, the Lakers staged a strong fourth-quarter comeback after trailing for much of the game.
However, their momentum was abruptly halted when LeBron James signaled to head coach JJ Redick that something was wrong. He made his way to the bench in visible discomfort following a timeout and did not return to the game. Shortly after, it was announced that James would be sidelined.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James is expected to miss 1-2 weeks due to a groin injury—a significant setback for a Lakers team already dealing with injuries to Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes. With Anthony Davis having been traded earlier in the season, Los Angeles is facing a lack of depth in the frontcourt, placing heavy reliance on Hayes and Trey Jemison III, both of whom have stepped up in their respective roles.
Projected Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
Starters
PG: Luka Dončić
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Dorian Finney-Smith
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Jaxson Hayes
Bench
PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Jordan Goodwin
SF: Dalton Knecht
PF: Markieff Morris
C: Trey Jemison III
Just as the Lakers’ surge from the qseventh to second seed in the Western Conference seemed too good to be true, losing James removes a critical offensive anchor. He has been averaging 25.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Lakers fans may find this situation all too familiar, as it closely resembles the 2019 groin strain that kept James out for 17 games. Though known for his durability, he has rarely missed extended time throughout his career. With the playoffs approaching in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, Los Angeles is hoping for a quick recovery.
For JJ Redick and his coaching staff, the focus now shifts heavily onto Luka Dončić. Many believed Dončić played a secondary role to James due to their shared need for the ball. Though dealing with lingering lower back discomfort from a Christmas Day calf injury, Dončić still managed to drop 34 points against Boston. With James sidelined, his workload is set to increase, positioning him as the offensive force that Rob Pelinka originally envisioned.
Can the Lakers Withstand the Challenge?
Los Angeles will need major contributions from its supporting cast to stay competitive. The upcoming schedule is brutal—six games in eight days, including two matchups each against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, two of the league’s top teams.
As the Western Conference standings tighten, the Lakers are in a fight to maintain their playoff position without their leader on the floor.
