The Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed that basketball star LeBron James will miss the beginning of the 2025/26 NBA season. The team said James is suffering from sciatica, a painful nerve problem that affects his lower back and right leg.
According to the Lakers, the 40-year-old forward has not joined the team’s training camp or played in any preseason games. Doctors will check his condition again in about three to four weeks, meaning he will likely miss several games, including the season opener on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
Head coach JJ Redick said the team will not rush James’s return and will let him recover fully before playing again. “He’s on his own timeline,” Redick said, adding that the Lakers will adjust their lineup and strategies until their captain is back on the court.
LeBron James remains one of the best players in the NBA, even after two decades in the league. Last season, he played 70 out of 82 games, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team and finished sixth in MVP voting.
With James out, the Lakers will depend more on players like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves to lead the team in the early part of the season. His absence will be a big challenge for the Lakers, who are hoping to make another deep playoff run.
The team said they will share more updates as soon as doctors review his progress. Fans are hoping for a quick recovery so LeBron can return to action soon and continue his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
