UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have officially announced that Gabe Vincent will start in place of the injured LeBron James for their regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 31, 2025. This urgent decision comes after Vincent showcased his skills in the preseason finale, scoring 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including 4-for-5 from three-point range.
Despite Vincent’s standout performance, the Lakers suffered a narrow 117-116 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, finishing the preseason with a disappointing 1-5 record. Coach JJ Redick described Friday’s game as a “dress rehearsal” for the upcoming season.
The Lakers are facing a significant challenge as James is not expected to return until mid-November due to ongoing issues with sciatica. “We have two more practices, so we need to clean up some things,” said Luka Doncic, who led the game with 31 points and nine assists.
Vincent received the starting nod just hours before the game, and his previous performance against the Mavericks, where he scored 18 points in just four minutes, solidified his position. “I think I just bring what I’ve been doing since I’ve been here,” Vincent stated, emphasizing his defensive contributions and playmaking abilities.
Redick acknowledged that while Vincent will pair with Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura to start the season, these lineups are subject to change. He noted, “I have a pretty good idea who’s going to start Game 1, after that, I don’t know.” This fluidity reflects the unpredictable nature of the NBA season.
The Lakers are also grappling with injuries, as center Jaxson Hayes left the game against Sacramento with a right wrist contusion. Thankfully, X-rays were negative, and the team expects to provide an update on his condition during practice on Sunday.
Defensive intensity remains a priority for the Lakers after allowing the Kings to score 59 points in the second half. “We need to work on our physicality,” Doncic added, calling for a more aggressive approach in upcoming practices.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who contributed 14 points and four steals off the bench, promised to boost the team’s defensive effort. “Just follow my lead,” he said. “I’m going to try to set the tone each and every night.”
As the Lakers prepare for the season opener, all eyes will be on Vincent to see how he fills the void left by James and whether the team can turn their preseason struggles into a strong start against a formidable Warriors squad. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation continues to develop.