LeBron James sidelined for start of 2025/26 season
lebron-james-sidelined-for-start-of-2025-26-season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will miss the opening stretch of the 2025/26 NBA campaign because of left-side sciatica, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The injury is expected to keep the 21-time All-Star out for at least three to four weeks.
The Lakers begin the regular season on Oct. 21 against Golden State. A best-case timetable would allow James to return on Oct. 31 for Los Angeles’ first NBA Cup game, but a mid-November comeback is considered more likely if there are no setbacks.
James, 40, appeared in 70 and 71 games over the past two seasons, respectively. If the current outlook holds, he could fall short of those totals. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, this marks the first time in James’s 22-year career that he will miss opening night.
The four-time MVP skipped the Lakers’ first two preseason contests and all of training camp while dealing with what head coach JJ Redick described as nerve irritation in his glute.
Despite the injury, James maintained elite production last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. Forward Jake LaRavia started the Lakers’ initial two preseason games and is among the candidates to log extended minutes during James’s absence.
Source: Hoops Rumors
