Deandre Campbell
Oct 13, 2025
The Lakers will open the 2025–26 NBA season without LeBron James, who’s been sidelined for up to four weeks with sciatica. Team officials stress caution as the 40-year-old prepares for his record 23rd season — and a push toward the 42,000-point milestone.
LeBron James to Miss Start of Season with Sciatica, Lakers Staying Cautious
The Los Angeles Lakers will kick off the highly anticipated 2025–26 NBA season without their most prominent star, as LeBron James is projected to be sidelined for the initial weeks due to a diagnosis of sciatica, a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, causing discomfort and pain. This news was confirmed by the team on Monday, sending ripples of concern through the fan base and the league alike.
As reported by the Associated Press, the 40-year-old veteran has been experiencing persistent discomfort in his lower back and leg during the training camp sessions. This discomfort escalated during the team's preseason workouts, prompting team doctors to recommend a brief rest period to allow for recovery and to prevent any further aggravation of the injury. The organization is being particularly cautious, recognizing the importance of maintaining James' health as he approaches another demanding season.
The Lakers are currently estimating that James will be out of action for approximately three to four weeks, which could mean he misses the team’s first five to six games of the season. Although the injury is not categorized as severe, head coach Darvin Ham emphasized that the organization is adopting a “long-term view” regarding James’ health. This approach is crucial to ensure that he is fully prepared and in peak condition for what may be his record-breaking 23rd NBA season, a milestone that carries significant weight in the history of the sport.
“LeBron’s competitive fire is unmatched, but at this stage, we have to be smart,” Ham told reporters during a press conference. “He’s focused on getting right, and we’re focused on being ready when he returns.” This sentiment reflects the balance the team is trying to strike between the urgency of winning games and the necessity of preserving the health of their star player for the long haul.
During James’ absence, the Lakers are expected to rely more heavily on the talents of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, who will need to step up and carry the offensive load in the early stages of the season. The training staff remains optimistic that if James’ recovery progresses as hoped, he could rejoin full practice by late October, allowing him to integrate back into the team before they face tougher challenges later in the season.
As LeBron enters this season, he is ranked second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, standing just 1,000 points shy of becoming the first player in league history to reach an astonishing 42,000 career points. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his longevity and skill, and despite the current setback, he has reportedly communicated to his teammates that he’s “feeling good” and is determined to return to the court “sooner rather than later.”
The Lakers are set to open their regular season against the Golden State Warriors on October 23 at Crypto.com Arena. However, for the time being, they will have to navigate the challenges of the season without their longtime leader and driving force on the court, which will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the entire roster.