Los Angeles Lakers insider Jovan Buha has pinpointed player health as the team's most significant worry for the upcoming NBA season. This concern stems from the recent injury histories of star players Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and new acquisition Walker Kessler.
What is the Lakers' biggest worry?
Jovan Buha, speaking on his podcast Buha's Block, did not hesitate with his answer. "My biggest worry is health," Buha said. He specifically pointed to the trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, noting their durability issues over the past few seasons. Buha questioned whether the Lakers could get 65 to 70 games from each of those three key players.
He believes achieving that would put the Lakers in contention for home-court advantage and over 50 wins.
Why is health such a critical issue?
The 2025-26 season was derailed partly by injuries. Luka Doncic suffered a grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2 and missed the rest of the regular season and playoffs. He finished with 64 games played, averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. The season before, he played only 50 games.
Austin Reaves also went down with a grade 2 left oblique strain on the same day, though he returned for the playoffs. He missed significant time earlier with a calf strain, playing just 51 games. With LeBron James gone, Reaves is now the clear second option. His averages of 23.3 points and 5.5 assists are essential. You can track the team's current status on our injuries page.
What about the new addition, Walker Kessler?
The Lakers invested heavily in Walker Kessler this summer, trading two first-round picks and two swaps to the Utah Jazz. They also signed him to a four-year, $130 million deal. He is meant to be their defensive anchor.
However, Kessler played only five games last season before needing shoulder surgery. He put up 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in that brief stint. The season before, in 2024-25, he was limited to 58 games. While Kessler says his shoulder feels great now, his recent track record adds to the concern.
What happens if the Lakers stay healthy?
Buha's analysis is straightforward. If Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler can play around 70 games each, the Lakers should be a 50-win team competing for a top-four seed. Their talent is not in question. Doncic is an MVP candidate, Reaves is a dynamic scorer, and Kessler provides rim protection they've lacked.
But if they are limited to roughly 50 games apiece, the season could spiral. ESPN's insiders have already projected the Lakers as a potential disappointment. The margin for error in the Western Conference is slim. A slow start due to absences could bury them in the standings. The roster underwent major changes this offseason, and continuity will be vital for any new system to work.
The Lakers' front office built this team to contend now. Its success hinges almost entirely on the availability of its three best players. There are no easy fixes if one of them goes down for an extended period. The supporting cast, while improved, cannot replace that level of production. Every game missed by a star increases the pressure on the others and risks overuse injuries. It's a cycle the Lakers must avoid to have any chance of meeting expectations.