LeBron James’ absence might have initially worried Lakers fans, but the team has handled the challenge with surprising poise. The 40-year-old veteran, dealing with a sciatica issue, is expected to return in mid-November. Until then, JJ Redick’s squad has managed to thrive without their leader on the floor.
For those watching from Los Angeles to Sydney — even fans who unwind with the best online pokies Australia offers between games — it’s been clear that this Lakers team is operating with rhythm and confidence. The offense is flowing, the chemistry looks sharp, and the supporting cast is stepping into a new gear. That collective effort has kept momentum strong, proving the group can win without leaning too heavily on James.
The Lakers’ fast start continued on Sunday with a 130-120 victory over the Miami Heat, improving their record to 5-2. Luka Dončić once again led the charge, posting a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Austin Reaves added 26 points, and Jake LaRavia chipped in with 25, giving Los Angeles a balanced attack that overwhelmed Miami’s defense.
Dončić and Reaves Carry the Load
Dončić and Reaves have shouldered the offensive burden in James’ absence. Dončić, playing his first full season as a Laker after last season’s blockbuster trade, has been spectacular. He’s averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. He’s also joined Wilt Chamberlain as one of only two players in NBA history to start a season with three 40-plus point games in his first four appearances.
Reaves has evolved into a dependable secondary star. In seven games, he’s averaged 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. With Dončić sidelined earlier in the season, Reaves delivered monster outings — scoring 51 against the Kings and 41 against the Trail Blazers. His efficiency, shooting nearly 49 percent from the field, has made him one of the league’s most improved players this season.
Jake LaRavia has also emerged as a reliable contributor off the bench. The forward has averaged 12.9 points and is showing consistency in shooting and spacing. His 27-point night against Minnesota was a breakout performance, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing trust in his offensive touch.
Adjusting the Game Plan
Without James, Redick has leaned into a faster, more modern system emphasizing movement and spacing. The team has spread the floor, giving Dončić and Reaves room to attack while creating driving lanes and open perimeter shots. The offense feels less static, moving away from isolation-heavy possessions and toward free-flowing sets where everyone is involved.
This adjustment has made the Lakers more unpredictable and more challenging to guard. Their transition game has improved, with quick outlet passes leading to fast-break opportunities. Players like LaRavia and Reaves thrive in this tempo, and the results speak for themselves — Los Angeles currently ranks among the top teams in pace and offensive rating through the season’s first two weeks.
Defensively, the Lakers have embraced a collective mindset. With James off the floor, the team has compensated by improving communication and rotating more effectively. New addition Deandre Ayton continues to anchor the paint defensively, but perimeter discipline has improved. Guards are fighting through screens, closing out shooters, and forcing turnovers that fuel their transition game.
Adapting to the Post-LeBron Phase
This recent stretch has sparked conversations about the Lakers’ future, especially considering James’ age and evolving role. The team’s ability to stay competitive without him has shown that the roster is deeper than in past seasons. Redick has trusted younger players with expanded roles, and they’ve rewarded that faith through energy, efficiency, and cohesion on both ends.
What’s most encouraging is the team’s chemistry. The ball isn’t sticking, and players are trusting one another to make smart reads and decisive plays. It’s a sustainable model that doesn’t rely solely on superstar production — a possible blueprint for long-term success as the James era nears its twilight.
LeBron’s Return: Boost or Challenge?
When James does return, the Lakers will face the challenge of reintegrating a dominant player without disrupting the rhythm they’ve built. His leadership, scoring, and passing remain vital assets, and there’s no doubt his presence elevates the team’s ceiling. However, balancing minutes and usage will be a delicate process.
James thrives in half-court settings where he can orchestrate from the top, but the Lakers’ new pace favors constant motion and quick decision-making. Redick will need to strike the right balance — allowing him to lead while maintaining the offensive flow. With James returning from a back injury, the coaching staff plans to monitor his workload to prevent setbacks.
If managed correctly, his comeback could blend experience with youthful energy, creating a hybrid system capable of adapting to any opponent. The Lakers have already proven they can win without their superstar. With him back in the fold, they now have the tools and depth to become one of the league’s most versatile teams.
For now, Los Angeles continues to show resilience, discipline, and belief. The Lakers are not just surviving without LeBron James — they’re evolving.
