Lakers Hit by Multiple Injuries; Stars Out

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with a cascade of early-season injuries that have left LeBron James out with right sciatica and Luka Dončić sidelined at least a week with a sprained left finger and a lower-left leg contusion (Dončić was later listed questionable). Gabe Vincent is expected to miss 2–4 weeks with a left ankle sprain. Marcus Smart was evaluated for a right-leg issue but returned and has even started in Dončić’s place at times, while multiple other role players are day-to-day. The injuries have forced significant lineup reshuffles and left the 2–2 Lakers scrambling for depth, with Austin Reaves emerging as the offensive focal point and logging heavy minutes. Two-way rookie Chris Mañon logged his first NBA minutes after in-game injuries, and coach JJ Redick said he plans to develop Mañon as a perimeter defender and secondary playmaker. Young players such as Jake LaRavia, Bronny James and Nick Smith — along with two-way call-ups — are likely to see expanded roles until the team's core returns.