That's the issue Michael Pina addressed in his piece for "The Ringer".

The Los Angeles Lakers will hit the road for their contest on Monday as they get set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers for their eighth game of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart showed anew why he remains one of the most dependable defenders in the NBA.

James, who is entering his 23rd season in the league, hasn't played this season. The Lakers originally announced on Oct. 9 that James would be out at least 3-4 weeks because of the nerve irritation in his glute that caused him to miss the entire NBA preseason.

LeBron James’ absence from the Lakers game did not go unnoticed this week. Speaking on The Craig Carton Show, sports radio host Craig Carton accused LeBron of being a “lousy teammate” for not traveling with the team to Minnesota,

The Lakers’ 2-2 start to the 2025-26 season has come without LeBron James, who has been battling a sciatica injury, opening the door for fellow forward Austin Reaves to take the baton for coach J.J. Redick’s team.

Bronny James helped the Los Angeles Lakers earn their third straight win Sunday, improving to 5-2 on the 2025-26 NBA season with a 130-120 home victory over Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat. With several key players sidelined,