What's happened
LeBron James, 40, will miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a sciatic nerve injury. Re-evaluation is scheduled for October 30, with a potential return around mid-November. The Lakers face uncertainty as they begin the season without their star player, who is dealing with nerve irritation in his right glute.
What's behind the headline?
The impact of James' injury extends beyond just missing games. It highlights the physical toll of a long NBA career, especially at 40, and raises questions about his longevity. The Lakers' strategic focus on building for the future, with Luka Doncic now a full-season asset, suggests a shift in team priorities. James' absence will test the Lakers' depth early in the season, especially as they aim to remain competitive without their star. The timing of his re-evaluation on October 30 will be critical; if he returns mid-November, he could miss at least the first 10 games, impacting team chemistry and playoff ambitions. The injury also underscores the physical risks athletes face, even at the highest level, and the importance of managing aging stars' health to prolong their careers. Overall, this injury will likely influence the Lakers' season trajectory and James's future plans, emphasizing the need for strategic roster management and health monitoring.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that James is taking a 'patient approach' to his recovery, with a re-evaluation scheduled for October 30, and suggests he might miss at least the first 10 games. The Japan Times details his diagnosis of right-side sciatica, describing the nerve irritation and its impact on preseason participation. ESPN and the NY Post also highlight the broader context of James's career, including his exercise of a $52.6 million option and ongoing rumors about his retirement, which have been fueled by a recent promotional video. Redick's comments reinforce that James is on his own timeline, and the injury's timing could influence his decision about continuing in the league. The coverage collectively underscores the physical and strategic challenges facing James and the Lakers this season.
How we got here
LeBron James sustained a right-side sciatica injury during Lakers practice, which has limited his participation in preseason games. The Lakers announced he would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. James, who exercised his player option for this season, has faced questions about his future amid team roster changes and rumors about retirement. The injury adds to the challenges as the Lakers integrate Luka Doncic into their lineup and pursue a competitive season.
Go deeper
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LeBron Raymone James Sr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.
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Sciatica is pain going down the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, though gradual onset may also occur. The pain is often described as shoot
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The National Basketball Association is an American men's professional basketball league. It is composed of 30 teams and is one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Pacific Division.