The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a strong start with a 4-0 record, including a road win over the New York Knicks, despite battling early injuries. The Cavs now return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to maintain their undefeated streak. As teams from different conferences, this will be the first of two matchups between them, with the next one set for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles. Last season, the Lakers swept the series 2-0 against Cleveland, but the Cavs are eager to turn the tables, especially since it’s a significant game—LeBron James is back in Cleveland.
This will be the only opportunity for fans in Cleveland to watch Lakers forward James on his old home court. It’s also a homecoming for his son, Bronny James, who was born in Akron during LeBron’s second season with the Cavs. There’s hope that LeBron and Bronny will share the court in Cleveland, marking a full-circle moment in LeBron’s career. The Lakers may follow a similar approach as in their season opener against the Timberwolves, where Bronny played for three minutes, missing two shots but recording a rebound.
However, it’s uncertain who will join LeBron on the floor against the Cavs. The Lakers are missing Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Koloko, Maxwell Lewis, Quincy Olivari, Armel Traore, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood due to various reasons. Austin Reaves (thigh) is likely to play, while D’Angelo Russell (back) is a game-time decision.
Who’s Missing for the Cavs Against LeBron and the Lakers?
The Cavaliers will be without Emoni Bates (knee, G League assignment), Craig Porter Jr. (thumb), Max Strus (ankle), Luke Travers (G League assignment), and J.T. Thor (G League assignment). Bates, Thor, and Travers need further on-court development, making their absence expected. Bates is still rehabbing his knee post-surgery, hoping to be ready when the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ G League affiliate, begins its season.
This game marks the fifth in a row that Cleveland will play without Strus, who sprained his right ankle during training. After assessing the injury, the team expects him to be out for six weeks, likely missing at least 20 games. Strus had missed part of the preseason but was close to returning. Dean Wade has taken his place in the starting lineup and will likely start again against the Lakers.
The latest addition to Cleveland’s injury list is Porter, whose thumb injury timing is unclear. Despite his absence, the Cavs have been well-covered by Ty Jerome’s strong performance. Nevertheless, Cleveland will need to stay focused to avoid their first loss of the season against a determined Lakers squad led by LeBron.