The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to stay above water at the start of the 2025-26 season with their two superstars out of action. In their absence, a handful of players are getting opportunities to show what they can do in an expanded role,

With Dončić sidelined due to injury along with almost 60% of the total Laker payroll against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Austin Reaves exploded for the best game of his career: 51 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and a badly-needed 127-120 victory with Dončić set to miss at least a week.

While no NBA team—and certainly not one with a legacy as rich as the Los Angeles Lakers'—hangs a banner for a 2-1 start, the Purple and Gold should be generally pleased with how they've opened the new campaign.

Is LeBron James making season debut with depleted Lakers tonight vs. Trail Blazers? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are likely to continue meeting the moment, the Lakers will need to rely on others to help carry the load.

LeBron James surprised the Ohio State Buckeyes with unreleased Nike LeBron 23 football cleats for the Penn State game.