Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has spent nearly two decades building a career for the ages. He is a four-time MVP, 21-time All-Star, and one of the most durable players in NBA history. The soon-to-be 41-year-old has been showing no signs of slowing down as he is gunning towards the 23rd season of his trophy-laden, illustrious career.
Everything was going according to plan, but the Lakers recently confirmed that he’ll miss the start of the 2025–26 season with an injury.
Why is LeBron James Sidelined From the Opening Night of the 2025-26 NBA Season?
Senior NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported on the latest news regarding James missing out on the start of the new campaign on social media.
In his post on X, Stein wrote, “The Lakers say LeBron James will miss the start of the new season and will be re-evaluated in 3-to-4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side. James is entering his record-setting 23rd NBA season.”
Quite a stat from my pals at @hoopshype … who note that LeBron James was 22-for-22 in playing on Opening Night until this season. https://t.co/p4QzKiF0jy
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 9, 2025
The health issue reported by the Lakers is that James has slight sciatica on his right side, which has prevented the superstar from joining the preseason training camp in time. With a lack of playing time in the preseason, James will miss the opening night of the new season, which will be the first time in his soon-to-be 23 years in the league that he has missed an opening night of a fresh campaign.
James has been a leading example of health and fitness. The veteran forward has iconically participated in all 22 opening nights of an NBA season. But it looks like the age factor is finally catching up to him.
James Could Be Out for Four to Six Weeks
The Lakers’ medical staff announced that his sciatic nerve damage will be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks. However, if everything goes as planned, a practical timeline for his return will remain at least 4-6 weeks.
LeBron James is OUT for the Beginning of the NBA 2025-26 season
He will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks for SCIATICA
Likely if all goes well with pain means he will need a ramp up period for 1-2 weeks and likely keeps him OUT at least 4-6 weeks pic.twitter.com/rWmjLcyLQI
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) October 9, 2025
The Lakers kickstart their journey in the new season in 11 days. While they are predicted to be without their superstar for at least four weeks, they will hope his injury doesn’t flare up further and that he joins the roster soon.
