Los Angeles Lakers have been hit with a major setback just as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. With LeBron James expected to miss the start of the campaign due to injury, head coach JJ Redick faces an early challenge in structuring his lineup. The absence of the 20-time All-Star leaves the team not only short of leadership but also searching for a reliable forward to temporarily fill his irreplaceable role.
LeBron James to miss start of season with sciatica
According to reports, James is expected to miss three to four weeks as he continues to recover from sciatica, an issue that reportedly surfaced months ago. This means the Lakers’ season opener will proceed without their cornerstone player. While LeBron is projected to return early in the season, his absence has opened the door for others to step up — and insiders believe one player, in particular, could take advantage of the opportunity.
Jarred Vanderbilt tipped as James’ temporary replacement
In a recent report for The Athletic, Lakers insider Dan Woike identified Jarred Vanderbilt as the most likely candidate to fill LeBron James’ spot in the starting lineup.
“I think the LeBron injury at the start of the year is a good chance for the Lakers to slot Jarred Vanderbilt into the first five and solve some of their point-of-attack defensive needs with a player who, when healthy, has already started for this team,” Woike wrote.
Vanderbilt’s versatility, defensive intensity, and familiarity with the Lakers’ system make him a natural choice. He has started for the team in the past and provides the kind of on-ball defense and rebounding presence that can help compensate for LeBron James’ absence on both ends of the floor.
Other potential options for JJ Redick
While Vanderbilt appears to be the frontrunner, Woike also mentioned Jake LaRavia as another name in the mix. Redick has several rotation pieces capable of filling minutes at forward, and his decision could depend on matchups and team chemistry during the preseason.
The challenge for Redick will be balancing the rotation while maintaining offensive fluidity. With Luka Doncic now leading the charge in Los Angeles and the team still adjusting to its new dynamic, having a strong defensive forward like Vanderbilt could help the Lakers maintain stability in LeBron’s absence.
Lakers aim to stay competitive without LeBron
The Lakers have built their roster with depth and flexibility, ensuring they can weather injuries to key players. Still, losing a superstar of LeBron James’ caliber — even temporarily — will test their early-season resilience. If Vanderbilt can replicate his strong defensive performances and the team’s offense remains efficient under Doncic’s leadership, the Lakers could stay competitive until their captain returns.