The Los Angeles Lakers have done well without their best player, LeBron James. The 6-foot-9 forward has missed the first 12 games of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a sciatica injury. James also missed the team’s training camp and preseason games. Even without him in the lineup, the Lakers have been competitive, thanks to the hot start from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Doncic has appeared in eight games, averaging 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.9 assists. The Slovenian star has taken full responsibility for being the Lakers’ No. 1 option. Reaves, on the other hand, has stepped up in James’ absence. Through nine games, the undrafted guard has averaged 28.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 8.3 apg.
Amid the strong start to the season, the question of how James will fit with the team has been raised. His return from injury could potentially ruin the dynamic that Doncic and Reaves have created.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas predicted that LeBron James could be the third option once he’s back. That might be something new for a player like James, who has always been the top option throughout his 23-year career. Arenas talked about it during his guest appearance on Wednesday’s episode of “All the Smoke.”
“He can be in the left corner or the right corner, depends on where he wants to be,” Arenas said.
LeBron James: THIRD OPTION?! 😳👀⁰
Matt & Gil break down the surging Lakers, and whether LeBron’s ready to take a backseat to Luka & Austin Reaves⁰
ALL THE SMOKE: Unplugged is live now on YouTube 💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/o4hfom7woH— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) November 12, 2025
Arenas pointed out that it wouldn’t be a new role for James. He cited the four-time champion’s numerous times playing for Team USA, where he wasn’t the No. option.
“We’re acting like LeBron ain’t been in the league 20-something years. He’s played on every Olympic team, he’s done played with every selfish [player], he’s done did it all!”
Lakers receive an encouraging update on LeBron James’ recovery
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that LeBron James joined the team’s G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, in practice. This was in preparation for his upcoming return while the Lakers complete their five-game road trip. On Wednesday, Tim MacMahon gave a positive update on James’ recent practice session.
“LeBron James practiced with the G League’s South Bay Lakers again Thursday and did not experience any residual effects from Wednesday’s workout, sources told ESPN, an encouraging sign after James’ first 5-on-5 play since the first round of the playoffs, more than six months ago,” the insider said.
According to MacMahon, the Lakers plan to practice on Monday in El Segundo, California, after returning from their road trip. Depending on James’ progress over the weekend, he could join the team.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
