Lakers Open Season Without LeBron James; Maxi Kleber Listed as Questionable
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The Los Angeles Lakers will begin the 2025-26 campaign against the Golden State Warriors without star forward LeBron James and rookie Adou Thiero, the club confirmed Monday in its official injury report.
James is sidelined by persistent right-side sciatica and is expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season. The team plans to re-evaluate the 40-year-old around mid-November, matching the original three-to-four-week timeline announced earlier in training camp. James did not appear in any preseason games and participated only lightly during camp.
Thiero, recovering from offseason surgery on his left knee, also sat out the entire preseason. The first-round pick has increased his on-court workload but will be checked again in one to two weeks, according to the Lakers’ medical staff.
Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable with an abdominal muscle strain. The veteran forward previously missed part of training camp with a minor quad issue but returned for the preseason finale. Because Kleber is not expected to open the season in the primary rotation, Los Angeles may proceed cautiously to prevent a setback.
Bronny James (ankle sprain) and Jaxson Hayes (wrist contusion) are no longer on the injury report. Head coach JJ Redick said both players fully practiced Monday and are available for Tuesday’s matchup at Chase Center.
Redick added that the offensive responsibility will shift to Luka Doncic in LeBron’s absence. The coach believes the guard will enter early MVP discussions if the Lakers post a strong record while James is out.
Tipoff against Golden State is scheduled for Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Source: Lakers Nation
