With the Lakers heading into a back-to-back set, they’re making it clear how they plan to manage LeBron James as the season unfolds. The 20-year veteran was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Pelicans due to left foot injury management-no surprise given the cautious approach the team is taking with his workload. This marks the first back-to-back since LeBron returned to the lineup, and the Lakers are signaling that they’re not going to overextend their star unnecessarily.
It’s a luxury Los Angeles can afford right now. They’re riding a six-game winning streak, sitting comfortably as the No. 2 seed in the West, and holding a 3.5-game cushion above the play-in line.
That kind of breathing room gives the coaching staff the flexibility to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains. And with guys like Austin Reaves continuing to rise and Luka Dončić playing at an MVP-caliber level this season, the Lakers have enough firepower to weather a game or two without LeBron.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart remains sidelined with back spasms, having already missed the previous game against the Mavericks. His absence continues to impact the guard rotation, and the Lakers will need to get creative with their backcourt minutes again on Sunday.
In Friday’s matchup without Smart, Maxi Kleber got a brief look in the first half but didn’t return after that initial stint. Rather than dip deeper into the bench, head coach JJ Redick leaned on his core rotation, stretching their minutes to cover the gap. That’s not a long-term solution, especially in a back-to-back scenario, so expect at least one fresh face to step in on Sunday.
Bronny James is currently with the South Bay Lakers, which takes him out of the mix for now. That opens the door for Dalton Knecht, who could slot in as a rotational guard if Redick opts to keep the backcourt balanced.
In LeBron’s absence, the Lakers have a few options to fill that wing-forward role. Kleber might get another look, but Jarred Vanderbilt-who hasn’t seen action since LeBron’s return-could also be due for some minutes.
There’s also rookie Adou Thiero, who’s been waiting in the wings and might finally get a chance to show what he can do in a meaningful role.
The Lakers are clearly playing the long game here. With a strong record, a deep roster, and a healthy dose of momentum, they’re in a position to manage their stars smartly-keeping an eye on April and beyond, not just the next game on the schedule.