While LeBron James teased people on social media, hinting at a possible retirement announcement only to advertise a partnership with Hennessy cognac, there is also real breaking news regarding the star. To some, the news could be viewed as concerning.
According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, James is expected to miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ entire preseason with a glute issue. However, as of now, it is not expected to derail his plans to be healthy for the start of the regular season.
Shams Charania Reveals LeBron James Injury Timeline Ahead of New Season
James has been hampered by a nerve injury to his glute this offseason. According to Charania’s update, he’s still dealing with the injury, but he is starting to “ramp up” his basketball activities.
“I’m told LeBron James has started to ramp up here; he’s doing a little bit on the court,” Charania said. “But I’m told the expectation is still he’s likely to be out for the preseason, the goal being to be ready for opening night on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.”
However, according to Charania, it is still possible he may try to get a game in at the end of the preseason. “We’ll see if he’s able to get a game in before the regular season.”
Shams: “Lebron James has started to ramp up here. He’s doing a little bit on the court. But I’m told the expectation is still he’s likely gonna be out for the preseason the goal being to be ready for opening night” pic.twitter.com/y3JQRPmekr
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 7, 2025
Nevertheless, it feels prudent for Lakers head coach JJ Redick and their medical staff to be cautious with James. Plus, no one knows his body better than James, so he may not wish to push it either, a few months shy of his 41st birthday, making the opening-day goal a more realistic timeline.
“Father Time is undefeated,” as they say, so James’ health will require maintenance over the course of the season for him to continue to play at the elite level he’s accustomed to. Coming off a season where he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, expectations are high in L.A. for another strong season for James and a title-contending roster.
On the positive side for his fans — and Lakers fans in general — James isn’t retiring anytime soon, and he is ramping up basketball activities. Still, they might have to wait until opening night for his return to the court.
