Luka Dončić, Lakers continue to find success despite injuryplagued roster James H. Williams, USA TODAYNovember 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM 0 Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers have produced a 73 record to start the season through the first 10 games. The Lakers will be tested this week, starting with the second game of a fivegame road trip, as they will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, to take on the Hornets. Los Angeles managed a 40 start on the road this season before dropping a road game to the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, Nov. 8.
- - Luka Dončić, Lakers continue to find success despite injury-plagued roster
James H. Williams, USA TODAYNovember 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
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Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers have produced a 7-3 record to start the season through the first 10 games.
The Lakers will be tested this week, starting with the second game of a five-game road trip, as they will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, to take on the Hornets.
Los Angeles managed a 4-0 start on the road this season before dropping a road game to the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The loss to the Hawks snapped the Lakers' five-game win streak, while proving that Los Angeles won't be able to stay hot forever with the ongoing state of the roster.
The Lakers have benefited from high-scoring performances from Dončić and Austin Reaves, but haven't had the two on the court together since Nov. 2.
More: How many points did Luka Doncic score tonight? Lakers vs. Hawks box score
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
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Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
">Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
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Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
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Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
">Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
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LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
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LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
">LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
" src=https://ift.tt/cRCAfwa class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/0CxKfL1 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
">LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
" src=https://ift.tt/0CxKfL1 class=caas-img>LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
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LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
">LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
" src=https://ift.tt/zIdJfg7 class=caas-img>LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
">LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
" src=https://ift.tt/kNMX31V class=caas-img>LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/VktfPZ3 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/VktfPZ3 class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/2DvbS1M class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
">LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
" src=https://ift.tt/2DvbS1M class=caas-img>LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Du4zVU2 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://ift.tt/Du4zVU2 class=caas-img>LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
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LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
">LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
" src=https://ift.tt/HP2DxKO class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/Yf8WCwT class=caas-img>LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
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LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
">LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
" src=https://ift.tt/stCPSqe class=caas-img>LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/rZY3L0k class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
">LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" src=https://ift.tt/rZY3L0k class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
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LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
">LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
" src=https://ift.tt/wFmDMyh class=caas-img>LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
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LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
">LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
" src=https://ift.tt/Ml6dFbv class=caas-img>LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
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LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
">LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/Wesjpuo class=caas-img>LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tK1Fq3k class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/tK1Fq3k class=caas-img>LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/btF0iRr class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/btF0iRr class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/rZ4F63j class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
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1 / 21The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
When Dončić and Reaves are on the court together, the Lakers are 3-1, with the only loss coming in the season-opener against the Golden State Warriors 119-109.
In each of the first two games of the season, Dončić scored at least 43 points with Reaves in the lineup. The Slovenian star benefits from Reaves being alongside him in the lineup. Without Reaves, Dončić has not scored more than 35.
Dončić has averaged nearly a triple-double this season with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 9.5 assists in six games played.
For the first two games without Dončić in the lineup, Reaves produced 51 and 41 points. The fifth-year guard has averaged 24.5 in games he's shared the court with Dončić.
Reaves has averaged 31.1 points, 9.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds. His points and assists totals have him ranked fourth in the league in both categories. He's missed the last three games due to a groin injury.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with center Jaxson Hayes (11), and guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on April 11, 2025.
The Lakers had just one game so far this season without Dončić or Reaves in the lineup, managing to pull off a win against the Portland Trailblazers 123-115 on Nov. 3.
Deandre Ayton put together a double-double performance with 29 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Rui Hachimura added 28 points and Nick Smith Jr. came off the bench to add 25 points and six assists.
Without two of their better players in the lineup, the victory provided some hope that the Lakers still have enough talent to overcome a .556 team like Portland.
That same support did not shine through with Dončić back in the lineup against the Hawks, with Ayton going 5-for-5 from the field for 11 points and Hachimura being limited to eight points after shooting 3-for-9 from the field. Smith was limited to just three points in 23 minutes of play.
"I feel like we were just behind the ball a little bit and they killed us in transition and they played amazing defense," Ayton told reporters after the loss in Atlanta. "We weren't ready for it and JJ (Redick) got on us about it."
The Lakers' coach was not pleased with the team's performance and held his shortest postgame press conference of the season.
"I realized that in the first two minutes of the game," Redick told reporters when he was asked if there was something in the third quarter that he could point to regarding the lack of production from his first unit.
The Lakers are still waiting for LeBron James to rejoin the team and make his season debut.
When will LeBron James return?
James has not officially started his 23rd season in the NBA and remains unavailable for the Lakers due to a right sciatica injury.
The veteran was expected to be reevaluated three or four weeks from the initial Oct. 9 date when the injury was announced. Four weeks passed on Thursday, Nov. 6, and he did not join the Lakers to start their current road trip.
James is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he was named second-team All-NBA and finished sixth in the MVP voting. The four-time NBA champion averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game in 70 games played last season.
When do the Lakers play next?
The Lakers will play the second game of a five-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Dončić, Lakers have success despite injury-plagued roster
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: November 09, 2025 at 07:27PM on Source: PRIMO MAG
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