Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will not be available for the start of the regular season due to a diagnosis of sciatica on his right side, as announced by the team on Thursday. This news comes just days before the Lakers’ highly anticipated first game of the season, scheduled against the Golden State Warriors on October 21 at 9 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
The Los Angeles Lakers have stated that James will undergo evaluations over the next three to four weeks. This timeline suggests that he could potentially return to the court as early as October 29, when the Lakers are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, or on October 31 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this injury will affect the team's dynamics, especially as they gear up for a competitive season.
As of now, the Lakers are in the midst of preseason activities, which kicked off on October 3. However, it is important to note that LeBron James has not yet participated in a full practice or any preseason games. When reporters inquired about James's readiness to return to play soon, Lakers head coach J.J. Redick remarked, “He’s on his own timeline,” indicating that the team is prioritizing James's health and long-term performance.
As LeBron prepares to enter his 23rd season in the NBA, he will celebrate his 41st birthday in December. The past two seasons have seen James miss over 20 games each year; however, he made a strong comeback, playing at least 70 games in both the recent seasons. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, showcasing his enduring talent and skill on the court.
In a surprising move earlier this year, the Lakers traded Anthony Davis, a close friend of James, for superstar Luka Doncic. This decision has stirred discussions about how the Lakers will adapt their strategy and lineup moving forward, particularly in the absence of their star player at the season's commencement.
As the Lakers look forward to the upcoming season, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on LeBron James's recovery and his eventual return to the game. The organization remains hopeful that with the right care and evaluation, he will be back on the court contributing to the team's success.
