INGLEWOOD, Calif., Dec. 20, 2025 — With four regulars sidelined and Luka Doncic forced out at halftime, LeBron James said the Los Angeles Lakers must stay prepared to compete despite a shrinking roster.
The Lakers faced the L.A. Clippers at Intuit Dome without starters Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura, as well as reserve guard Gabe Vincent. Doncic, the only other opening-night starter in uniform, left the game during intermission because of a left leg contusion, leaving James as the lone healthy starter. The Clippers capitalized, handing the Lakers a comfortable defeat.
Speaking to Spectrum SportsNet after the game, James noted that every available player has to be ready to fill gaps created by injuries. He called the circumstances “extremely challenging” but said the team’s effort and adherence to the game plan were positives, even if the result was not.
A cold night from long range hurt Los Angeles’ comeback attempts. The Lakers hit just 6-of-38 attempts from beyond the arc. James attributed the poor shooting to a routine off night, adding that the squad’s defensive energy kept the contest within reach for much of the evening.
Despite the loss, the 20-year veteran delivered his highest-scoring performance of the season, finishing with 36 points on 15-for-28 shooting along with four rebounds and three assists. Those numbers may be needed again if any of the injured players miss additional time.
James recently avoided a serious knee problem after colliding with an opponent in a win over the Utah Jazz. He said he “dodged a bullet” and felt healthy enough to start against the Clippers.
Looking ahead, the forward dismissed the idea of using injuries as an alibi, emphasizing that whoever dresses must execute and support one another on the court.
Source: Lakers Nation
