The Los Angeles Lakers announced that team core LeBron James will miss the opener of the 2025-26 season due to right sciatica. The injury will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.

This means that James will be out until at least the end of October and is expected to miss the first five to six games of the season, or even longer. According to Lakers officials, James' injury is mainly concentrated in the nerve area of the right hip and the back of the leg, causing persistent pain and limited movement.

Since the team opened training camp last week, James has not participated in any full training, only conducting personal rehabilitation and adjustments. Head coach J.J. Redick said that James is currently at his own pace of recovery and stressed that the team will respect his physical condition and medical advice.

James, 40, is about to embark on his 23rd NBA season, continuing to break league records. However, this injury has added uncertainty to his illustrious career. Since the start of training camp, he has missed both of the Lakers' preseason games, participating only in individual workouts to avoid aggravating the nerve pressure.

The Lakers are scheduled to officially kick off the new season on October 21st at home against the Golden State Warriors. Due to James' absence, the team will temporarily adjust its lineup and offensive rhythm. Redick admitted, "This is reality. We have to play the cards we have. Everyone has to adjust to not having LeBron."

James is currently traveling with the team, but will primarily be conducting independent rehabilitation training. The team's medical team will continue to monitor his neurological condition and will re-evaluate him in three to four weeks.