LeBron James Update Emerges Amid NBA Preseason

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LeBron James Update Emerges Amid NBA Preseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 4:15 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers' preseason is underway, but they are currently without star LeBron James, whose glute injury has also forced him to miss the start of training camp. This has led to some worrying about his status for the regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors as well.

Though the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs earlier this year to the Minnesota Timberwolves, they still have high expectations for this upcoming season. Not only will it be Luka Doncic's first full season in Los Angeles, but the team also made some notable offseason additions, such as signing big man Deandre Ayton and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

As the Lakers look to prepare for what should be a successful regular season, this is a great time for them to get some reps in and build chemistry. Until James returns to the court, however, this could prove to be a big challenge.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania provided an injury update on the four-time MVP and when fans should expect to see him suit up.

"I'm told that Lebron James has started to ramp up here. He's doing a little bit on the court. But I'm told the expectation is still that he's likely gonna be out for the preseason, the goal being to be ready for opening night on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors," Charania said.

Shams: "Lebron James has started to ramp up here. He's doing a little bit on the court. But I'm told the expectation is still he's likely gonna be out for the preseason the goal being to be ready for opening night" pic.twitter.com/y3JQRPmekr
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) October 7, 2025

The Lakers Need LeBron James to Be Healthy to Compete

Given that James is entering his 23rd NBA season and is still a crucial part of Los Angeles' success, it would be smart for the team to play it safe and gradually ramp him up, which it seems like they are doing.

Ultimately, James' main goal at the moment is likely to be as healthy as possible going into the regular season, even if it means having him sit out for the entirety of the preseason.

The Ohio native was fantastic for the Lakers last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1 steal per game. Additionally, he finished sixth in MVP voting, which was his best finish since being the runner-up for the award in 2019-20, only behind Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Despite having Doncic on the team now to take some of the pressure off of him, James is still going to play an important role in Los Angeles.

The Lakers have championship aspirations this season. They have a good roster, but in order for them to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, they need to be as healthy as possible, particularly James, who will turn 41 years old in December. If he can stay healthy, it will be incredibly difficult for opposing teams to stop the Lakers as his chemistry with Doncic continues to grow.

Los Angeles will begin its regular season when it hosts the Warriors on Tuesday, October 21, at 10 p.m. ET. on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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