James to Miss NBA Season Opener Due to Sciatica
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025–26 NBA season after being diagnosed with sciatica, the team confirmed Thursday.
The 40-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks, ruling him out of all five of the Lakers’ scheduled games in October — including their highly anticipated season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
James, who signed a new contract with the Lakers in June, is entering a historic 23rd NBA season — a record unmatched in the league’s history. His absence marks the first time in his 22-year career that he will miss the start of an NBA season.
Sciatica Forces Sideline for NBA’s Iron Man
Sciatica is a condition involving irritation of the sciatic nerve, often causing pain radiating from the lower back through the legs. According to the Lakers’ medical team, James has been dealing with glute nerve irritation that has worsened in recent weeks.
The 19-time All-Star has not participated in pre-season, missing exhibition games against both the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns earlier this month.
Team physicians advised the four-time NBA champion to rest and undergo rehabilitation in order to avoid long-term complications.
Historic Season Paused Before It Starts
James was poised to open the season not only as the league’s all-time leading scorer, but also on the verge of another major milestone: breaking Robert Parish’s record for most regular-season appearances in NBA history.
With 1,562 games played, James trails Parish by just 50 appearances. His durability has been a hallmark of his career — last season, he played in 70 of the Lakers’ 82 games, and 71 the season prior.
In the 2024–25 season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He also finished sixth in MVP voting, a testament to his continued dominance at an age when most players have long retired.
Lakers Look Ahead Without Their Leader
The Lakers will now begin the season without their undisputed leader, as they face a challenging opening schedule that includes matchups against Western Conference contenders.
The franchise, which exited the 2024–25 playoffs in the first round after a 4–1 series defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, will look to Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and offseason acquisitions to pick up the slack in James’ absence.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham addressed the media after Thursday’s practice, emphasizing the need for a “next-man-up mentality” while praising James’ work ethic and leadership even off the court.
“He’s still very much involved — watching film with the guys, giving pointers, staying engaged,” Ham said. “But obviously, we miss him on the floor. There’s no replacing LeBron James.”
Return Timeline Still Tentative
While early estimates suggest James could return in early November, the Lakers have not provided a specific game for his comeback. Medical staff will monitor his condition week by week before clearing him for full activity.
For now, fans and teammates alike will have to wait as one of the NBA’s most enduring legends works toward another comeback — this time from a painful and unfamiliar opponent: sciatica.
