Celtics Forward Suffers Injury in Preseason Opener
This is going to be one of the more unique seasons that the Boston Celtics have played in the last few years. Without three starters from last year's team, they aren't expected to be a contender.
In their first preseason game on Wednesday, several Celtics players were looking forward to getting increased playing time as they battle for rotational spots.
One of those players is forward Jordan Walsh, who has high hopes of seeing more minutes this year with Jayson Tatum injured. Unfortunately, he ended up getting hurt.
Celtics Forward Jordan Walsh Suffers Injury in Preseason Opener
Walsh played just eight minutes in the game before leaving with an adductor injury. He ended up finishing the game with two points, three rebounds, and an assist. He made his only shot.
Boston is scrambling to find competent forwards this season who can fill in with Tatum sidelined as he continues to recover from his torn Achilles. Walsh was hoping to be the beneficiary of an open spot in the rotation.
At this point, it's unclear how long this injury will sideline Walsh for. He was pulled out of the game in order to protect himself from getting further hurt if he tried to keep playing.
Walsh played in 52 games last season, a large jump from the nine appearances he had as a rookie. He's worked excruciatingly hard on his offensive game this offseason to play even more minutes this year.
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The Celtics' Frontcourt Could Be a Sore Spot This Season
Walsh's injury adds even more complications to what is already a complicated situation in the frontcourt. Boston might be up a creek if unproven guys can't step into new roles.
Boston will have a new starting center, something that will be scrutinized throughout the entire first half of the season. Some phone calls could be made at the trade deadline if things don't go well at that spot.
Rumors continue to swirl that the Celtics could end up trading Sam Hauser before the season, meaning Walsh would have even more opportunities to see the court.
Last season, Walsh averaged 1.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game.
Lakers Receive Concerning Update On LeBron James’ Availability
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without LeBron James to begin the 2025-26 NBA season. The veteran superstar has been dealing with nerve irritation in his glute. As such, he’s not been an active participant in Los Angeles’ preseason preparations.
On Thursday, Oct. 9, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that LeBron will miss the opening three to four weeks of the new season. Charania noted how LeBron is dealing with Sciatica, which is likely an escalation of the original nerve irritation.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, that means LeBron will need to slot into the rotation having missed all of preseason. He will need to adjust to any new caveats of the offensive and defensive schemes on the fly. Fortunately, LeBron has an elite basketball IQ and should have no problem figuring out his role on both ends of the floor.
Lakers star LeBron James is sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side. He is out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 9, 2025
With LeBron on the sidelines, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton will have a perfect opportunity to work on their two-man game, with Austin Reaves
Lakers’ LeBron James Is On His Own Timeline
When speaking to the media on Thursday, head coach JJ Redick noted how LeBron is working on his own timeline in terms of his recovery and return to the team.
“You gotta play the cards you’re dealt,” Redick said. “I know that’s a cliche, but that’s just the reality. DA (Deandre Ayton) got a couple days with Luka (Doncic) last week. No one’s got any time with LeBron, it’s not just DA…He’s (LeBron) on his own time.”
Given LeBron’s latest timeline to return, it’s fair to assume that early to mid-November will be the first time we get to see him this season. Of course, that timeline could be pushed back if the issue persists and he needs additional treatment or rehabilitation.
Carmelo Anthony Wants LeBron to Retire a Laker
During a recent discussion with DJ Siddiqi of PokerScout, Carmelo Anthony shared his opinion that LeBron should see out the remainder of his career with the Lakers.
“I don’t know (what he will do), but he should end his years with the Lakers,” Anthony said. “You’re talking about somebody who wants to win championships, and he wants to be put into the right position to win it. It’s a lot of talk around him, surrounding him and surrounding the Lakers, like it is every single year. He’s just going to go out there and play.”
LeBron is currently in the final year of his contract, after opting into his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer. There’s no telling how much longer he plans to stay in the league. However, the opportunity to bow out of the NBA as a Laker will likely appeal to him, especially as he’s established in Los Angeles and would be unlikely to move away for a full season.
For now, though, LeBron’s full focus will likely be on returning to the court. After all, the Lakers have a shot at contending for a championship this season. But, in order to do so, Redick will need LeBron healthy and ready to help make a push during the latter stages of the season and throughout the playoffs.
