LeBron James’ nerve issue dates back to summer, keeping him from normal routine

LeBron James won’t be suiting up when the Lakers open the 2025–26 season, and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, this has been a lingering issue far longer than most realized.

“From my understanding, this injury for LeBron, this nerve issue, first occurred in late July or early August during a late-court workout,” Charania said on NBA Today. “It’s now two and a half months and counting that he’s had to deal with it and manage it. So even before the Lakers held media day on Sept. 29 and started training camp, I’m told LeBron James had not done much basketball for well over a month prior to that.

“So it hasn’t been a normal routine summer for him. He’s a creature of habit. We know that’s the way he maintains his body.

“For him to be out to start the season and miss his first-ever opening night, it shows an admission by him and the Lakers that he needs more time to ramp up, get into basketball shape, the right basketball conditioning that he is accustomed to. He’s not there yet.”

The Lakers announced earlier this week that James will miss three to four weeks with left-side sciatica, an issue the team has described as “nerve irritation” in his glute. The injury will sideline him for the season opener Oct. 21 against the Warriors, marking the first opening-night absence of his 22-year career.

Even on the early end of that recovery window, James wouldn’t return until Oct. 31, when the Lakers play their first NBA Cup game. A more realistic timeline points to an early- or mid-November comeback, barring setbacks.

James, 40, has shown remarkable durability deep into his career. He played 70 games last season while averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, continuing to perform at a high level.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said James hasn’t participated in any training camp activity and missed the team’s first two preseason games. Forward Jake LaRavia has started in his place and is expected to continue in that role until the four-time MVP returns.

For the Lakers, the priority is clear. It’s about getting LeBron healthy, not hurried. And as Charania noted, this is as much about long-term preservation as short-term competition.