Reaves Lobs to LeBron and Bronny; Lakers Adjust

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season about 5-2 but are managing significant absences — LeBron James is sidelined by sciatica, Luka Dončić has been limited for load management/leg care, and Austin Reaves has played through right-groin soreness. Reaves has produced big scoring and playmaking nights (including a 51-point game and a 26-point, 11-assist outing) and threw lob passes to both LeBron and Bronny James, creating a rare family moment. Bronny James has received extended minutes and praise from coach J.J. Redick and former players for his defense, energy and playmaking, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk for his first points of the season, though his shooting and aggression remain inconsistent. Role players have stepped up — Nick Smith Jr. erupted for 25 points in a game without Dončić, and Dončić has been dominant in limited appearances — helping drive early success. The injury-driven rotation shuffle has accelerated younger players’ development and reshaped minutes, leaving the Lakers with momentum but questions about durability and how the rotation will look once the core is healthy.