The Pacific Division champion Lakers are already without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are both sidelined for the rest of the regular season with significant injuries. The trio averages 77.6 points per game, accounting for 66.5% of the Lakers' typical scoring output.
This marks the 22nd game James has missed in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season as the team's championship hopes are hampered by injuries in Doncic's first full season with the club.