First things first: As suspected, LeBron James is hoping to return around mid-November, this from ESPN's Shams Charania. This timetable would have him missing about 15 games, which all things considered wouldn't be the worst outcome. James, who hasn't been able to participate in basketball activities since hurting himself in July, will need a few weeks to ramp up and ensure his fitness is restored to what it needs to be. If that happens around Halloween, mid-November is a reasonable target. Any delay, however... So the Lakers at least have some idea of how they'll play the first quarter of the season, give or take. Meanwhile, game 5 of the 6 game preseason is in the books, and it was another loss for the Lakers. Like the others, it wasn't without its high points. The Lakers played without Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber. And LeBron, of course, and Bronny James, too, who was nursing an ankle injury suffered Tuesday against the Warriors. So there's a limit as to what can be learned from a game like this one. But still, there were good performances worth noting, especially from Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht continues to struggle in meaningful minutes. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose in Vegas. SEGMENT 2: Rui plays well, which matters a lot. SEGMENT 3: LeBron out until mid-November (at least). Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.comto get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
