LeBron James Expected to Miss Start of 2025–26 NBA Season as Sciatica Flare-Up Persists
The Los Angeles Lakers may be without their biggest star when the 2025–26 NBA season tips off. LeBron James, the face of the franchise and one of the greatest players in basketball history, is reportedly set to miss the opening stretch of the season due to lingering sciatica issues, according to team sources close to the situation.
At 40 years old, James is entering a remarkable 22nd season in the league, continuing to defy expectations for longevity and performance. But even for an athlete of his discipline and durability, the battle against time is unrelenting. The sciatica flare-up, which causes nerve pain radiating from the lower back down through the legs, has reportedly limited his offseason training and preseason activity.
A Careful Approach from the Lakers
The Lakers’ medical team, along with head coach Darvin Ham, is taking a conservative route with their superstar. The organization’s priority is to have James healthy for the long haul — especially with the Western Conference shaping up to be fiercely competitive once again. Sources say the team will reassess his condition week to week, with an optimistic target return set for mid-to-late November, depending on his response to treatment.
“The focus isn’t October,” one insider noted. “The focus is April and beyond.” That statement reflects the Lakers’ belief that a cautious start could pay dividends when playoff time arrives — when LeBron’s leadership and postseason experience matter most.
The Toll of Longevity
James, who averaged 25.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season, has continued to maintain elite production deep into his late 30s. However, the grind of two decades of NBA seasons — plus countless deep playoff runs and Olympic appearances — has inevitably taken a physical toll.
Sciatica, a condition often linked to compressed nerves or spinal pressure, can be unpredictable. It may cause anything from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, affecting movement, balance, and explosiveness — all essential tools in LeBron’s game.
A Test for the Lakers’ Depth
With LeBron sidelined to start the year, the Lakers will need Anthony Davis to shoulder a heavier load, both offensively and defensively. The team is also expected to rely more heavily on younger contributors like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell, who will be called upon to keep Los Angeles competitive until their leader returns.
While the absence of LeBron will test the team’s chemistry and resilience early on, it could also offer valuable development time for their supporting cast — something the Lakers have struggled to balance in recent years.
Eyes on the Bigger Picture
For LeBron, missing games is never easy — especially as he chases milestones that further cement his legendary legacy. Yet this decision signals maturity and long-term focus. At this stage of his career, every game must serve the ultimate goal: staying healthy enough to compete for a fifth NBA championship.
Whether this setback is a temporary hurdle or a sign of the physical limits beginning to close in on him remains to be seen. What’s certain is that even on the sidelines, LeBron James continues to shape the story of the NBA, just as he has for over two decades.
