The 2025 NBA season tips off with injury storylines already looming large. Several high-profile players are returning from major surgeries or long rehab processes, while others carry lingering durability concerns that could dictate their availability throughout the year. As the season begins, medical staffs will be tasked with balancing recovery, workload management, and the demands of an 82-game grind. Early setbacks or re-aggravations could shift team trajectories quickly, making health one of the most important factors in determining how this season plays out. We highlight ten players to keep an eye on as training camps open up, and what to look forward to from them this season. Here are five players from the Pacific Division to watch for as the NBA regular season approaches.
Los Angeles Lakers - LeBron James
An NBA player entering year 23 is uncharted territory, especially when a player has played as many minutes as LeBron James has. For the first time in his career, James is set to miss Opening Night as he has been diagnosed with sciatica and will be re-evaluated 3-4 weeks into the regular season. It’s not unprecedented for LeBron to miss significant time, but this is the earliest in a season he’ll miss time during an important time for the Lakers when they have to try to build chemistry with a new roster.
Los Angeles Lakers - Luka Doncic
Sustained a significant calf injury last season that sidelined him for several weeks before he was traded to the Lakers from Dallas. He played last season mostly out of conditioning shape from the calf injury, but has entered this season with a new, stronger body, and has looked in mid-season form in the preseason. The Lakers did take a slow approach with him at the start of training camp since he played in the Eurocup this past summer, but he played well then and showed no signs of aggravation from last season’s calf injury.
Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers’ star player, enters the 2025-26 NBA season in excellent health and ready to lead the team. This is a welcome development after years of injury setbacks that have often hindered his availability. Leonard has been battling chronic right quadriceps tendinopathy since his days in San Antonio. He also suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the 2021 playoffs and underwent meniscus surgery on the same knee after the 2023 postseason. Despite these challenges, Leonard demonstrated his trademark two-way dominance on the court last season in the 37 games he did play once he made his season debut in January. With a full offseason to recover and prepare, the Clippers are optimistic that a healthy Kawhi can finally anchor a successful campaign and restore their championship aspirations.
Golden State Warriors - Stephen Curry
Has had an extensive history with ankle injuries, and they still pop up from time to time. Most recently in October of last season. Lately, however, he’s had issues with his shooting hand being wrapped around the wrist and thumb this preseason stemming from an injury in the playoffs last season. It hasn’t seemed to affect his shooting, however, as he’s been as accurate as ever, shooting 42.9% in three preseason games.
Sacramento Kings - Keegan Murray
Murray will undergo surgery after tearing the UCL ligament in his left thumb and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. This is a significant setback for both Murray and the Kings. According to the current timetable, Murray is likely to be sidelined until at least November 14 against the Timberwolves. However, this is just the beginning of the timetable, which means Murray will miss a minimum of 10 regular-season games. In Murray’s absence, the Kings could consider a smaller lineup by moving DeMar DeRozan to the four, which would open up opportunities for players like Nique Clifford, Malik Monk, and Keon Ellis.
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