The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a nightmare scenario as they head into their 2025-26 NBA regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. According to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times, the Lakers will be without two key players: 21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James and rookie Adou Thiero. This devastating news has left fans and analysts reeling, as the Lakers’ highly anticipated “Big 3” of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Deandre Ayton is now reduced to a solo act for the foreseeable future.
LeBron James Sidelined with Sciatica
LeBron James, the 40-year-old four-time NBA MVP, will miss the season opener for the first time in his illustrious 23-year career due to a sciatica injury on his right side. The injury is expected to keep him out for at least the next week, with a re-evaluation scheduled within one to two weeks. While James remains a dominant force when healthy—averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game last season on .513/.376/.782 shooting splits—his recent postseason performances have shown signs of wear. Missing the opener is a significant blow to the Lakers’ championship aspirations, especially as they face a formidable Warriors squad.
Rookie Adou Thiero Out with Knee Surgery Recovery
Adding to the Lakers’ woes, rookie Adou Thiero will also be absent as he continues to recover from left knee surgery. The young forward’s absence further depletes the Lakers’ depth, forcing head coach JJ Redick to scramble for solutions early in the season. Thiero’s injury, while less headline-grabbing than James’, underscores the Lakers’ vulnerability as they navigate a competitive Western Conference.
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Maxi Kleber’s Injury Woes Continue
The bad news doesn’t stop there. Backup center/power forward Maxi Kleber, who was already sidelined for most of the preseason with a quadriceps injury, has now suffered an abdominal muscle strain and is listed as questionable for the opener. Kleber, a 33-year-old veteran acquired in the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, has struggled with durability over the past three seasons, missing an average of 44 games per year. Last season, he appeared in just 34 games, averaging a modest 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.5 blocks on .385/.265/.762 shooting splits.
Kleber’s expiring $11 million contract and his career 35.4% three-point shooting add a valuable floor-spacing dimension to the Lakers’ offense, but his latest injury raises concerns about his reliability. With Kleber’s status uncertain, the Lakers are left with limited options at the backup center position.
Backup Center Battle: Jaxson Hayes vs. Maxi Kleber
The Lakers’ backup center role was already a point of contention, with Kleber and the recently re-signed Jaxson Hayes vying for minutes behind new starter Deandre Ayton, who joined the team after a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. Hayes brings superior athleticism and a better health track record, while Kleber’s ability to stretch the floor—despite last season’s dismal 26.5% three-point shooting—offers a different dynamic. However, Kleber’s recurring injuries may tip the scales in Hayes’ favor, as coach Redick, a former teammate of Kleber’s, cannot afford to rely on a player who struggles to stay on the court.
JJ Redick’s Ominous Update
Head coach JJ Redick provided a sobering update on LeBron James’ sciatica injury, hinting at the challenges ahead for the Lakers. With James sidelined, Ayton and Doncic will need to shoulder a heavier load, but the loss of Thiero and the uncertainty surrounding Kleber leave the roster dangerously thin. The Lakers’ depth will be tested early, and Redick’s ability to adapt his game plan without two key contributors will be under intense scrutiny.
Shockwaves Through the NBA
The Lakers’ injury crisis sends shockwaves through the NBA, as the team’s star-studded lineup was expected to dominate headlines and contend for a championship. Instead, they face an uphill battle from the outset, with their Big 3 reduced to a solo act. The Western Conference is unforgiving, and with the Warriors poised to capitalize on the Lakers’ misfortune, Tuesday’s opener could set a grim tone for the season.
As Los Angeles scrambles to regroup, all eyes will be on Redick, Doncic, and Ayton to keep the team afloat until James and Thiero return. For now, Lakers fans can only hope that this early disaster is a temporary setback rather than a sign of things to come.