Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025–26 NBA season after being ruled out for up to four weeks with sciatica, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old forward, entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season, has been sidelined since pre-season after experiencing pain in his lower back and leg caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The injury means James will sit out all of the Lakers’ October fixtures, including the high-profile season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
It marks the first time in his illustrious 22-year career that James has missed the beginning of a season — a testament to the remarkable longevity and durability that have defined his career.
Lakers confirm four-week layoff
A statement from the Lakers said: “LeBron James will be unavailable for team activities for approximately four weeks due to sciatica. His condition will be reevaluated at the end of that period.”
James did not feature in any of the Lakers’ pre-season games, including defeats to the Warriors and the Phoenix Suns earlier this month. Reports suggest the four-time NBA champion began feeling discomfort during off-season workouts in August, but medical staff hoped rest would resolve the issue.
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. It often results in sharp pain, tingling, or weakness in one leg. For an athlete in his 40s, recovery must be managed carefully to prevent aggravation.
A historic milestone delayed
James, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was set to make history again this season as the first player to appear in 23 separate NBA campaigns. He is also within reach of another record: his 1,562 career regular-season games place him just 50 short of surpassing Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish (1,611) for the most in league history.
While the setback delays that milestone, Lakers fans remain optimistic he will return in time for November’s fixtures. The franchise is expected to manage his workload carefully throughout the season, with an emphasis on keeping him fresh for the playoffs.
James signed a new contract with the Lakers in June, extending his stay with the team he joined in 2018. Since then, he has led them to an NBA championship in 2020 and remained one of the league’s most consistent performers.
Still elite at 40
Despite turning 40 in December, James continues to defy age and expectations. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game — production levels comparable to players half his age. He also finished sixth in the MVP voting and helped the Lakers to the playoffs before they were eliminated 4–1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said the team would remain patient with their star player. “We’re going to make sure LeBron comes back 100%,” Ham told reporters. “He’s one of the hardest workers in the league, and nobody takes care of their body like he does. But at this stage, we’ve got to think long-term.”
Lakers’ early-season outlook
Without James, the Lakers will rely heavily on fellow star Anthony Davis and new signing D’Angelo Russell to lead the team through the opening month. The Lakers face a tough schedule that includes games against Golden State, Sacramento, and Denver.
Analysts expect the team to tread carefully with James’s minutes upon his return, potentially using load management to extend his availability through the season.
Sports physician Dr. Mark Spencer told BBC Sport that sciatica can be unpredictable. “Recovery depends on the severity of nerve irritation. Some athletes bounce back quickly; others need extended rest and therapy,” he said.
For now, fans and teammates alike will have to wait a little longer to see “King James” back on court. Though this delay interrupts a remarkable streak of durability, James’s focus remains unchanged — to keep competing at the highest level as he nears two decades and a half in professional basketball.
