LeBron Cancels Golf Amid Lakers' Doncic Reaves Injuries

Merlin sees LeBron James skip a golf date with former teammate J.R. Smith after injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Smith said, "He's like, 'Man, I can't play golf. I've got too much on my shoulders right now. If this was five years ago I would definitely play.'" Both players are expected to miss the start of the 2026 playoffs, so LeBron will shoulder a larger offensive load as the Lakers fight for Western seeding at 50-29. Merlin notes that in his 23rd season LeBron remains dangerous, averaging 20.8 points, 7.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds. With the standings tight, every game becomes a playoff rehearsal. Expect LeBron to lean on veteran craft while role players get chances to rise; depth and fatigue will be the true test of how far the team can go.