Lakers without their King LeBron: who steps in for No. 6?

The Lakers begin the 2025-26 campaign with a question no one expected this early. Who will take LeBron James’ place in the starting lineup?. The 40-year-old veteran has been diagnosed with right-side sciatica and will be sidelined for at least three weeks. The news hit Los Angeles hard, just as the team seemed poised to take off with Luka Doncic as the new offensive leader.

According to Sporting News, reporter Dan Woike of The Athletic pointed to Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt as the leading candidates to fill LeBron’s absence. LaRavia, who joined the Lakers this offseason on a two-year, $12 million deal, made a strong impression during preseason. Especially in the win over the Warriors, where he posted 11 points, five assists, and four steals. His 3-and-D profile makes him a tactically appealing option for the Lakers’ coaching staff.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Jake LaRavia (@jakelaravia)

Vanderbilt, meanwhile, remains the Lakers’ most reliable defender. Despite battling injuries over the last two seasons, his ability to contain top perimeter threats makes him a trustworthy alternative. Woike believes Vanderbilt brings more physicality at the point of attack, while LaRavia might be better suited coming off the bench.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Jarred Vanderbilt (@jvando_)

A tough decision ahead

The Lakers face a challenging schedule to start the season, and they’ll need to stay competitive without their main reference point, LeBron James. With Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura already locked into starting roles, the vacant spot will be crucial in setting the tone for the opening stretch.

Beyond the immediate substitution, LeBron’s absence forces the Lakers to look ahead. The team seems committed to a blend of youth and experience, and situations like this can accelerate the emergence of new contributors. LaRavia and Vanderbilt aren’t just battling for minutes—they’re fighting for trust.

In Los Angeles, the margin for error is razor-thin. And even with King LeBron temporarily off the board, the Lakers must prove they have enough pieces to keep playing to win. Because in this franchise, every game is a statement.