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The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a solid start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Through the first seven games of the year, they hold a 5-2 record and have been able to win some big games, including matchups against the Miami Heat and twice against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luka Doncic has been leading the way for the Lakers with LeBron James on the sideline due to sciatica issues. Austin Reaves has also stepped up and performed at a very high level in a bigger role. Both players have looked elite playing alongside of each other. There have been some who have wondered what the equation will look like when James gets back on the court. Read more: Jimmy Butler Puts Warriors on Blast After Stunning Loss to Pacers Unfortunately, Los Angeles received some horrible news regarding Doncic and Reaves ahead of its matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on March 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. According to the NBA injury report for November 3, the Lakers are going to be without both Doncic and Reaves against the Trail Blazers. That will put a lot of stress on the rest of the Los Angeles roster to try and pick up a big win without the two stars. Doncic has played in four games so far this season. He has averaged 41.3 points per game to go along with 11.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, while also shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and 29.2 percent from three-point range. As for Reaves, the 27-year-old guard has averaged 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in seven appearances. He has connected on 48.9 percent of his shot attempts and has knocked down 34.4 percent of his three-point attempts. Needless to say, those two leading the way has led to quite a bit of success for the Lakers. Whether or not they can continue playing at that level throughout the entire season remains to be seen. Read more: Lakers’ Austin Reaves Linked to Rising East Team in Potential Trade Without Doncic and Reaves on the floor against a Portland team that currently holds a 4-2 record, Los Angeles will face an uphill battle. There is still enough talent for the Lakers to compete, but it won’t be easy. The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET and will be aired on NBA TV. For all the latest on the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
