LeBron James Absent, Lakers Remain Perkasa Bend Pelicans

JAKARTA - LeBron James suffered a left leg injury so he had to miss out when his Los Angeles Lakers team secured victory over New Orleans Pelians in the NBA's follow-up competition season 2025-2026.

The Lakers managed to maintain a positive trend even without LeBron when appearing at home at the Crypto.com Arena, on Monday, December 1, 2025, with a 133-121 victory over Pelicans who looked limp because many players were injured.

LeBron James, 40, missed his first 14 games of the season due to hip linu a nerve problem affecting the lower back and right side of the body.

The Lakers captain has only made four appearances this season. The four NBA MVP title winner previously also missed a few games last season due to a left leg injury.

"It's an injury he's been through a long time ago. That's something we have to deal with before," said Lakers coach JJ Redick, before the match, quoted by ESPN.

In this match, Luka Doncic led the win with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Following behind him were Austin Reaves who scored 33 points and eight assists.

Deandre Ayton also contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds. This latest victory managed to extend the Lakers' winning-loss positive record to 15-4 and was their seventh straight win.

The Lakers appeared explosive from the start by posting 46 points in the first quarter and 77 points in the first half, which is their highest score of the season in one half of the game.

On the opposing side, Pelians appeared without a number of main players, including Zion Williamson who was sidelined due to a left hamstring injury.

The Lakers will return to compete against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. However, it is not yet certain whether LeBron will participate in the match.

At the age of 40 and the 23rd season in the NBA, LeBron's capacity of playing in a busy schedule continues to be monitored, especially the Lakers still have 10 back-to-back series until the end of the season.