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LeBron James Injury Update – Lakers Star Sidelined for 4 Weeks Due to Sciatica Injury Ahead of 2025-26 NBA Season Start!

Lakers’ title hopes tested as LeBron sidelined with sciatica for weeks.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers received a major setback Thursday as star forward LeBron James was ruled out for three to four weeks due to a persistent sciatica injury in his right side. The Lakers announced the news after James, who has not yet attended training camp, missed the team’s first two preseason games, limiting his ability to build chemistry with new teammates. Coach JJ Redick described James’ condition as “nerve irritation in his glute,” confirming a diagnosis that could sideline the four‑time NBA champion well into November.

Breaking: Lakers star LeBron James will be sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side. He is out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Get breaking news alerts from Shams Charania through the ESPN app: https://t.co/QEjDpr2WVy pic.twitter.com/l6CVkP0tBZ
— ESPN (@espn) October 9, 2025

LeBron James Injury – What Happened to LeBron James and Why Is He Sidelined for 4 Weeks

At 40, James is entering his eighth season with the Lakers and his 23rd in the NBA, but his return to the court has already been delayed. James had been aiming to return for the Lakers’ October 21 season opener against the Golden State Warriors, but the injury timeline now makes that uncertain. “He’s on his own timeline,” Redick said Thursday, reflecting the cautious approach the Lakers are taking with their leader. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier that James would likely miss the entire preseason.

James’ absence is not only a loss of his star power but also a major disruption to the Lakers’ hopes of developing cohesion early on. Head coach JJ Redick has stressed that lack of availability has been a problem in fostering unity, something the Lakers cannot afford in the first weeks of the season. With James potentially missing around nine games, the Lakers will need to adjust quickly.

BREAKING: LeBron James will be out 3-4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side, per @ShamsCharania.

James, who will play in his record-breaking 23rd season, will miss the start of the year for the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/qS34zXEznA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 9, 2025

What Is a Sciatica Injury That Is Keeping LeBron James Sidelined?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, is irritated, often causing pain that radiates from the lower spine down the back of the leg. For an athlete like James, whose game relies on explosive movement and endurance, sciatica can be particularly debilitating. Recovery requires rest, targeted therapy, and careful monitoring to prevent aggravation.

🚨 Breaking: LeBron James is expected to miss the start of the NBA season due to sciatica on his right side

James is expected to be out for at least 3-4 weeks pic.twitter.com/vG0nCj92P2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 9, 2025

For James, the Lakers’ cautious approach means no rushing back. The injury is severe and as per reports, even when he’s reevaluated in three to four weeks, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be back in uniform. If the Lakers open without their leader, much of the offensive load will shift to Luka Doncic. So basically, with James sidelined, the Lakers now face a rocky start, with their King sidelined and their chemistry still a work in progress.

Mandatory Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.