Overview

• LeBron James is expected to miss roughly three to four weeks with sciatica and will sit the season opener, per multiple reports.
• Luka Dončić said the team will miss James but stressed a next man up mentality as Los Angeles opens the season.
• Insider Dan Woike identified Jarred Vanderbilt as the leading candidate to start in James’ place, with Jake LaRavia also in consideration.
• Redick said lineup choices are still being evaluated, outlining needs for defense, creation and sufficient shooting in his rotation decisions.
• Woike reported the Lakers are unlikely to make an immediate trade, citing limited clarity on the roster’s strengths while injuries persist.