Why Should Lakers Fans Not Panic Amid 2-2 Start to Season?
After the first four games of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have started their 2025-26 season with a 2-2 record. Star players Luka Dončić and LeBron James are currently sidelined with injuries and will miss some time. Also, Gabe Vincent, who was starting for the Lakers in LeBron’s absence, will miss two to four weeks with an ankle injury. However, Austin Reaves has been able to be the star of the show for the purple and gold, scoring 51 points and 41 points in the recent back-to-back games that were played on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings and Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the team is 2-2 and had high expectations going into the season, fans should not panic and continue to have high hopes as we head into the end of October and the beginning of November.
To begin the season, Dončić made Lakers history in the first two games, becoming the first player in Lakers’ history to start with consecutive 40-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist games. Unfortunately for Luka, on Sunday, before the game against the Kings, it was announced that he would miss about a week due to a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion. For King James he has been out to start the season due to sciatica and will miss a few extra weeks. It did not take long for AR-15 to step up and play some of the best basketball we have seen. In the first four games, he is averaging 35.8 points while shooting 43 percent from three on seven attempts per game. He also has help from players such as Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jake LaRavia.
Even though these Lakers players have stepped up in the absence of key players, it also opens a chance for younger players to gain more experience and get some reps for a confidence boost. Players such as Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, and even players who have just stepped in, like Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mañon, and Christian Koloko, all have an opportunity to showcase their abilities while key Lakers’ players are sidelined. Once these players gain more experience and reps, they will have the confidence and will improve rapidly when given these game scenarios. If they continue to improve, the Lakers could have a well-rounded team, with not just a good starting unit but players off the bench who can step in and make an impact when they hear their name called. LA fans, do not panic at all, because the purple and gold will continue to get better every single game, and once they are fully healthy, they will be a dangerous team that can push for their 18th championship.
