LeBron James, entering his 23rd NBA season and eighth with the Los Angeles Lakers, will reportedly miss the start of the 2025-26 campaign due to sciatica. Multiple reports, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed that the 40-year-old superstar will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.
This marks an early challenge for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, who has yet to participate fully in training camp and missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games. Head coach JJ Redick attributed James’ absence to “nerve irritation in his glute,” emphasizing that the veteran forward is “on his own timeline.”
The Condition and Its Impact
Sciatica, a condition characterized by pain radiating from the lower back down the leg, is not uncommon among athletes with long careers. For James, whose durability has defined his two-decade run, managing such injuries is crucial as he approaches his 41st birthday in December.
The Lakers open their regular season on October 21 against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena—a marquee matchup that may now proceed without its biggest star.
Future Still Uncertain
Retirement speculation continues to follow James, who hinted earlier this year that he was uncertain about how much longer he would continue playing. Following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James told reporters,
“Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through… I don’t know the answer to that right now.”
Despite this uncertainty, James opted in to his $52.6 million player option in June, signaling his intention to return for at least one more season in purple and gold.
Legacy and Longevity
LeBron James’ career remains unparalleled. The four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP boasts 42,184 regular-season points and over 50,000 points combined with playoffs — both NBA records. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games, proving he can still perform at an elite level even after two decades in the league.
Entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003 at just 18 years old, James has defied expectations and timelines. His absence at the start of the new season is a rare reminder of the toll longevity takes — even on a player often described as superhuman.
In Summary:
LeBron James’ brief sidelining is a setback for both the Lakers and basketball fans worldwide. Yet, given his track record of resilience, few doubt that the “King” will soon return to the court, ready to add another chapter to his legendary career.
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