LeBron James to miss start of 2025-26 season

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is set to miss the beginning of the 2025-26 season, dealing with sciatica on his left side that will keep him out for at least three to four weeks, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).

The Lakers open the season in 12 days, on Oct. 21 against the Warriors. If he returned at the very earliest of his listed timeline, that would have James in line to return for Los Angeles’ first NBA Cup game on Oct. 31. More likely, it will be around mid-November when he’s able to return, barring any setbacks.

How many games will Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James play this season?

James played in 70 and 71 games in the past two seasons, respectively, so he’s in jeopardy of playing fewer games than that this season. NBA insider Marc Stein adds that this will be the first time in James’ career that he’ll be out for opening night. He was previously 22 for 22 in that regard.

He missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games and all of training camp with what coach JJ Redick referred to as nerve irritation in his glute.

The 21-time All-Star kept in line with his elite production in his age-40 season last year, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. Jake LaRavia started both of L.A.’s first two preseason games and is a candidate to fill in for James and keep an extended role once he returns.