LeBron James is not playing due to a sciatica injury that has sidelined him for the beginning of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Key details :
Condition: James is dealing with sciatica on his right side, a nerve irritation that causes pain from his lower back to his legs.
Timeline for return: The Los Angeles Lakers announced he would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks from an initial October 9 diagnosis. A realistic return date is projected for mid-November, depending on his rehabilitation progress.
Preseason: James did not participate in any full practices or games during the preseason while recovering from the issue.
Impact: In James's absence, other players, including Luka Dončić, will be relied on to take on a larger role for the team.