The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025-26 NBA season in an unusual position. When placing a futures NBA bet online, they’re considered genuine contenders at +1500 to win the 2026 NBA Championship, but they begin the campaign without their biggest star. LeBron James is sidelined with a sciatica injury that could keep him out through mid-November. It’s unclear how the 40-year-old’s absence will affect early-season momentum, but the Lakers’ ambitious offseason and Luka Dončić’s leadership give bettors reason to keep them in the conversation.
This season marks a transitional test for Los Angeles. JJ Redick starts his second full year as head coach, and Dončić, who joined mid-year, begins his first complete season in purple and gold. Deandre Ayton brings interior stability, while Marcus Smart adds a championship-hardened edge. The roster’s star power and toughness blend could help weather the storm while LeBron works his way back.
LeBron’s Slow Recovery
James’ sciatica was diagnosed earlier this month after the team announced nerve irritation in his right gluteal area. The condition has caused lingering pain in his leg and limited mobility, making the team cautious about his return schedule. Lakers officials publicly said there’s “no rush” to bring him back. He’ll be 41 in December and has logged over 66,000 career minutes. The organization clearly prefers preservation over early risk.
Reports suggest mid-November as a tentative timeline, but nothing is guaranteed. The last time James missed an opening night due to injury was never. His absence fundamentally alters Los Angeles’ early identity, forcing Redick to rely on Doncic to handle the offensive load.
Doncic’s First Full Season
Luka Doncic enters his first full Lakers season with immense expectations. He spent much of the summer reshaping his body after international play. Teammates and coaches say he looks faster and leaner, showcasing improved conditioning in preseason. In the opener against Golden State, Dončić scored 43 points with 12 rebounds and nine assists in a losing effort.
Redick praised Dončić for his “balance and focus,” emphasizing how his approach has matured. Until LeBron returns, the Lakers will go as far as Doncic takes them. That means steering the offense, setting the tempo, and managing turnovers in high-pressure stretches.
Dončić’s command of the floor gives the Lakers continuity through adversity. His ability to blend scoring and facilitating—a trademark of his Dallas years—offers Los Angeles a strong anchor around which new players can integrate.
Ayton and Smart Bring New Elements
Adding Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart was a calculated offseason move. Ayton’s length and rebounding immediately improve Los Angeles’ interior presence, something it lacked last season. He’s also a steady pick-and-roll threat who meshes well with Dončić’s pace and vision.
Smart brings hard-nosed defense and veteran accountability. His defensive versatility gives Redick options against dynamic backcourts across the Western Conference. More importantly, Smart’s leadership fills part of the emotional gap left by LeBron’s absence. He’s known for his locker room influence and ability to raise defensive intensity.
The Lakers hope Ayton’s efficiency, Smart’s toughness, and Austin Reaves’ creativity can produce a balanced attack. Redick has emphasized tempo control and better transition defense, two weaknesses that cost the team critical possessions last postseason.
Redick’s Second Year at the Helm
JJ Redick’s climb from rookie head coach to respected strategist has been quick. After the Lakers’ first-round exit last season, Redick admitted defensive lapses and rebounding were his biggest regrets. He spent the offseason implementing more structured sets around Doncic’s playmaking and focusing on accountability.
Players have embraced his approach. Redick promotes spacing, fluid ball movement, and defensive precision. The challenge now is sustaining those principles with LeBron watching from the sideline. He’s entering the year with clearer expectations and a full training camp under his belt—a luxury he didn’t have during his debut season.
Redick’s experience as a player helps bridge gaps with his roster, and his relationship with Dončić, dating back to their Dallas days, fuels natural chemistry. The question is whether that connection can translate to consistent wins early without their veteran forward.
Competition in the West
Complicating the Lakers’ pursuit is the Western Conference itself. The Oklahoma City Thunder, last season’s NBA champions, remain the favorites at +240 to repeat. Their core—led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren—continues to mature, making them a formidable repeat candidate.
Behind them, Denver remains a threat with Nikola Jokic anchoring an experienced lineup. Houston surged after adding Kevin Durant, while Minnesota and the Clippers made veteran acquisitions.
That balance of power means small margins will separate top seeds from mid-tier playoff teams. Four games were divided second from eighth last season. Missing LeBron for even 10 or 11 games could prove decisive.
Betting Outlook
At +1500, the Lakers fall in the second tier of contenders, behind Oklahoma City (+240), Denver (+550), and Cleveland (+750). Their odds reflect both their talent and volatility. Bettors see the upside of a healthy James and Dončić combination, the risk of injury setbacks, and the West’s crowded field.
Oddsmakers expect the Lakers’ price to shorten if they stay above .500 during LeBron’s absence and Doncic continues his hot start. Should James return fully fit by Thanksgiving, Los Angeles could integrate its pieces to challenge for a top-four seed.
Early Test of Depth
The early season is a stress test of resilience. Without LeBron, every mistake gets magnified, and every win counts double. Redick’s rotation depth will be key. Ayton must anchor the defense. Smart must set the tone on the perimeter. Reaves has to maintain consistent secondary scoring. And Doncic must shoulder star responsibility while avoiding fatigue.
The Lakers have a championship ceiling, but the hurdles are clear. Health, chemistry, and adaptability determine whether this core can gel long enough to challenge Oklahoma City, Denver, and Houston come spring.
Until LeBron James returns, the Lakers’ path is uncertain and compelling—a test of how much they’ve evolved under Redick and how much Luka Doncic can carry them in a new era of Los Angeles basketball.
