LeBron James will miss the beginning of the 2025/26 season, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link), who reports that the Lakers star is dealing with sciatica on his left side that will keep him out for at least three to four weeks.
The Lakers open the season in 12 days, on Oct. 21 against the Warriors. If he returned at the very earliest of his projected timeline, James could be back for the team’s first NBA Cup game on Oct. 31. However, his return seems more likely to occur in early- to mid-November, barring any setbacks.
James, who has appeared in 1,884 total regular season and playoff games, played 71 regular season games in 2023/24 and 70 in his age-40 season in ’24/25. NBA insider Marc Stein adds that this will be the first time in James’ career that he’ll be out for opening night. He was previously 22 for 22 in that regard.
The 21-time All-Star kept up with his elite production in his age-40 season last year, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per contest.
James missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games and all of training camp with what coach JJ Redick referred to as nerve irritation in his glute. Jake LaRavia started both of L.A.’s first two preseason games and is a candidate to fill in for James and keep an extended role once he returns.