Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Lebron James looks on during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Lakers’ LeBron James Set to Make Unfortunate Personal History With Injury Setback

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 7:30 PM ET

LeBron James has been one of the most durable players in the history of the NBA. His ability to avoid any serious injuries throughout his career has been extremely impressive.

The Los Angeles Lakers might see the end of that this season. James will reportedly sit for at least three-to-four weeks with a sciatica issue going down his right side. Los Angeles will reassess him after that.

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It's unclear what caused the injury at this point, since it happened during the offseason. Regardless, James might break what was an incredible personal streak of availability.

Lakers Forward LeBron James Will miss A Season Opener for the First Time

This will be the first time in James' career that he will miss a season opener. Before this season, he had played in 22 straight season-opening games.

LeBron James will miss his team’s season opener for the first time.

He was 22 of 22 before this. https://t.co/LfjtEomr4T
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) October 9, 2025

One of the hallmarks of James' career has been his durability. His acumen and drive have made it borderline impossible to keep him off the court for any reason.

Spending nearly $1 million on his body has certainly helped him from watching games on the bench, but Father Time is undefeated. This was bound to happen at some point.

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James will work to get back from this injury as quickly as he can, but he also understands that it's more important for him to be healthy for the postseason than it is for the start of the regular season.

That means that James might take his time to make sure he's fully healthy before he returns to the court. The Lakers need him at 100 percent.

The Lakers Will Have to Lean on Luka Doncic in LeBron James' Absence

Luka Doncic will have to be the dominant force he was in Dallas to start out this critical season for the Lakers. The offensive responsibilities will now be laid at his feet for the first few weeks of the year.

Doncic has a track record of being able to carry a franchise, as he carried the Mavericks to the NBA Finals back in 2023. He just needs to be able to carry the Lakers for a few weeks.

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.