LeBron James to miss start of 2025–26 NBA season due to sciatica

The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a significant setback ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, as LeBron James is set to miss the season opener due to a sciatica-related issue on his right side.

The Lakers announced the news in the early hours of Friday, October 10 (Philippine Standard Time), stating that the 40-year-old superstar will be sidelined for at least three to four weeks, effectively ruling him out of training camp and possibly the early stretch of the regular season.

Sciatica refers to symptoms resulting from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often causing sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower body.

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James has yet to participate in a full practice session since training camp opened last week. ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that the four-time MVP was likely to miss the entire preseason due to a lower-body nerve injury.

Breaking: Lakers star LeBron James will be 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.

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— ESPN (@espn) October 9, 2025

Lakers head coach JJ Redick, now entering his first season at the helm, acknowledged the challenge of building chemistry without the team’s focal point.

“You have got to play the cards you’re dealt. That’s a shame, but that’s just the reality. No one has got any time with LeBron — not just new center Deandre Ayton, but everybody,” said Redick. “James hasn’t been on the court with the team, but that’s just the reality.”

New acquisition Deandre Ayton, who joined the team in the offseason, echoed the sentiment but remains optimistic.

“It’s something I’ve just been waiting on. Just got to prepare,” Ayton said. “JJ and the coaching staff probably have something where they can put stuff together for all of us to really grow chemistry.”

If James remains out for the full projected recovery time, he will miss the Lakers’ opening night matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Wednesday, October 22 (PHT).

Despite the setback, LeBron is poised to make history once he returns. The 2025–26 season marks his record-breaking 23rd year in the NBA, surpassing Vince Carter for the longest career in league history.

Since joining the Lakers in the 2018–19 season, the team has posted a 248–171 record with LeBron on the floor, compared to 56–78 without him — a testament to his continued impact even in the later stages of his legendary career.

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