Lakers Fall to Warriors in LeBron James' Season-Opening Absence

The Los Angeles Lakers began their 2025 NBA season without LeBron James, who is sidelined with a sciatica injury expected to keep him out until mid-November. Head coach JJ Redick openly acknowledged the team's struggles in James' absence, noting moments when the Lakers lacked scoring options against zone defense and emphasizing how difficult it is to not have James' presence on the court. Despite Luka Doncic's standout near triple-double performance, the Lakers lost their season opener to the Golden State Warriors 119-109, with Redick highlighting recurring issues such as poor third-quarter performances and self-inflicted mistakes that cost the team. James, though off the court, remains involved by contributing insights during film sessions, helping guide the team strategically while recovering. The Lakers' current roster and role players are urged by Redick to step up and perform their roles effectively, as the team's potential is clearly impacted without James. Fan reactions have been mixed, with some criticizing the team's performance and coaching, underscoring the challenges the Lakers face during this transition period.