LeBron James Misses Lakers Season Opener with Sciatica
The Los Angeles Lakers confirmed on Thursday that star forward LeBron James will not suit up for the team’s 2025-26 NBA season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21. The issue, described as sciatica on his right side, has sidelined James as he continues to progress through a careful recovery plan. Lakers officials indicated he will be reevaluated in roughly three to four weeks, a timeline that would keep him out of early-season action while the team navigates the opener without their all-time leading scorer.
From Glute Nerve Irritation to Sciatic Pain
Initially, the Lakers suggested nerve irritation in James’ glute was the root cause of his absence. The evolution of the medical updates points toward a broader sciatic diagnosis, which often requires gradual ramp-up and disciplined monitoring. The team has emphasized that they are prioritizing James’ long-term health over aggressive early-season returns, a stance echoed by several analysts covering the club.
Reevaluation Timeline and Team Strategy
NBA reporters noted that the Lakers plan to be “overly cautious” through training camp and the preseason as they monitor James’s condition. Dan Woike of The Athletic reported the reevaluation window and the club’s cautious approach, underscoring the desire to have James at peak performance come April and June. Lakers head coach JJ Redick described James as being
