When the Los Angeles Lakers open their 2025–26 NBA campaign, they’ll do so without the man who has defined an entire generation of basketball — LeBron James.
On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Lakers announced that James is dealing with a sciatica issue on his right side and will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. The news comes as a significant blow to a franchise still built around the 40-year-old superstar entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
What was initially described as “nerve irritation in the glute” has now been clarified as a more complex sciatica concern — a painful nerve condition that can affect movement, flexibility, and explosiveness, all vital components of James’ game.
Opening Night Without the King
The Lakers are scheduled to tip off their season Tuesday, Oct. 21, against the Golden State Warriors, followed by a nationally televised matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 24. Based on the current timeline, James will miss both of those marquee games — and possibly several more.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, in his first year at the helm, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his star forward’s recovery.
“He’s on his own timeline,” Redick said. “There’s no rush. We’re focused on the long term, not the opener.”
James hasn’t appeared in either of the Lakers’ preseason games, nor has he participated fully in team practices. However, he’s remained a consistent presence around the facility — working individually, mentoring younger players, and even doing light shooting drills without socks, a subtle indication that he’s still protecting the affected area.
What LeBron’s Absence Means for the Lakers
The Lakers’ 2025–26 season carries high stakes. With LeBron entering the final year of his contract, Los Angeles is determined to make a legitimate push in the Western Conference, which remains stacked with contenders like the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Timberwolves.
Without LeBron, however, the blueprint changes.
The Lakers will likely turn to Luka Dončić, their newly acquired superstar guard, to carry a larger share of the offensive burden. Dončić, already one of the league’s most prolific scorers and playmakers, will be asked to do even more — but opposing defenses will certainly notice.
Without LeBron orchestrating the offense, expect teams to double Dončić, forcing the ball out of his hands and daring others — Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht — to beat them from the perimeter.
Last season, LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, anchoring the Lakers’ ball movement and tempo. His passing not only opened up the floor but often set the tone for how the Lakers attacked. Without him, Los Angeles risks losing that fluidity.
Redick could experiment with several lineup adjustments to compensate. Jarred Vanderbilt or Jake LaRavia could step in as temporary starters, adding length and defense, or Redick might opt for a smaller, faster lineup featuring Marcus Smart in the backcourt alongside Dončić.
Either way, the Lakers’ offensive identity will look different — and potentially less cohesive — until James returns.
What This Means for LeBron James
This marks the first time in his career that LeBron James will miss an NBA season opener. It’s a milestone he likely never wanted but perhaps one that signals the inevitable truth of aging, even for one of the most durable athletes in sports history.
LeBron will turn 41 in December, and though his conditioning remains world-class, injuries like sciatica can be unpredictable. The nerve pain can cause shooting sensations down the leg, stiffness, and mobility challenges — all of which could hinder his trademark explosiveness and court vision.
Still, if anyone can navigate such a setback, it’s LeBron. His commitment to physical maintenance is legendary. He invests millions annually in body care — from cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers to advanced recovery routines — and has often said that his longevity is as much about discipline as it is about genetics.
“It’s all about preparation,” James has said in past seasons. “You take care of your body, and your body takes care of you.”
That preparation will once again be tested as he works to regain full strength. The Lakers are expected to prioritize caution, ensuring that James returns fully healthy rather than rushing him back for early-season games.
If his recovery remains on schedule, LeBron could return by Friday, Oct. 31, when the Lakers face the Memphis Grizzlies. A slightly longer recovery would push his comeback to around Saturday, Nov. 8, against the Atlanta Hawks.
Even upon returning, he’ll likely need time to reacclimate to game speed, having missed most of training camp and preseason. The Lakers will probably monitor his minutes closely, easing him back into a full workload as the season unfolds.
The Bigger Picture: Managing the Endgame
Beyond the immediate concern of his health, LeBron’s absence raises questions about the Lakers’ long-term strategy. With Dončić emerging as the new face of the franchise, this could signal a subtle shift in leadership.
Yet LeBron’s value extends far beyond his on-court output. His leadership, communication, and basketball IQ continue to shape the Lakers’ identity. His mentorship of young players — especially Dončić and Reaves — has already drawn praise from the coaching staff.
JJ Redick, who once played against LeBron and now coaches him, has spoken about the challenge of balancing respect for James’ legacy with the need to build something sustainable for the future.
“LeBron’s presence is bigger than basketball,” Redick said. “He sets the tone in the locker room, and we’ll continue to build on that even while he’s out.”
In many ways, this injury could serve as an early-season test for Los Angeles. Can they stay competitive without their most experienced leader? Can Dončić truly command the offense as a solo act? And can the team’s younger players deliver under pressure?
Those questions will define the Lakers’ first month — and possibly set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Road Ahead
For now, Lakers fans will have to adjust to something rare: an opening night without The King.
It’s a sobering reminder that even the greats are human. But it’s also a moment of opportunity — for Dončić to shine, for Redick to innovate, and for LeBron to rest, reset, and return stronger.
The Lakers’ fate still revolves around LeBron’s health. But his absence might just give Los Angeles a chance to prove they can win not only with him — but eventually, after him.
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
