Overview

• LeBron James will miss at least three to four weeks with a sciatica flare‑up, and the Lakers open Oct. 21 against the Warriors.
• Dončić said Los Angeles must be more physical in real games than in practice and urged a stronger start to contests.
• In the preseason finale, Dončić posted 31 points, five rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers finished 1–5.
• Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to address needs under coach JJ Redick.
• Teammate Maxi Kleber predicted fans will see “a lot of Luka Magic,” and Dončić framed James’s absence as a next‑man‑up opportunity.