Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss nearly a month before making his 2025-26 season debut. James, 40, is reportedly looking at a mid-November return after being diagnosed with sciatica, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Both the Lakers and James are targeting mid-November as a possible return date for the 21-time All-Star.
After sitting out during training camp due to glute pain, James was diagnosed with sciatica in early October. The team said it would re-evaluate James after 3-4 weeks. Charania outlined Oct. 30 as a key date in James’ return, as it marks the earliest possible date the Lakers would re-evaluate James’ recovery.
Sciatica is pain that travels down the sciatic nerve, often the result of a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the glute and down the leg.
James reportedly sustained the injury during an on-court workout in late July or early August, per Charania. James will reportedly take a cautious approach as he rehabs from the issue.
James, who will be 41 in December, is still considered one of the best players in the NBA despite his age. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds with the Lakers.
With James sidelined, Luka Dončić will be tasked with carrying a heavier workload to open the season. Dončić spent the offseason trying to cut weight to be in better playing shape when the season begins. His conditioning and hard work will be put to the test immediately with James out to start the year.
Dončić is more than capable of carrying that responsibility while James is on the shelf. Dončić, 26, averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists last season.
If James is able to return around mid-November, he would miss roughly 12 to 14 games to open the 2025-26 NBA season.
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