The Los Angeles Lakers will come to the 2025-26 season depleted with Lebron James out for up to four weeks. Head coach JJ Redick remains determined. They have been navigating the pre-season without him and they still have another superstar in Luka Doncic to bail him out.
They need King James, of course. He is their leader and top playmaker. Lakers are willing to wait but the question now is how long? They might wait a little more if what one NBA executive’s prediction becomes reality.
Lakers star LeBron James is 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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 9, 2025
James is suffering from sciatica which is a nerve pain from an injury or irritation. Reports said he has been dealing with it since August. This is the first time in Bron’s career that he won’t be able to play in the opener.
It comes at a time when James is already 40 years old, a factor that according to an NBA team official will play huge in his recovery. This executive warned that he might be out until December is Lakers camp is not careful.
“Sciatica is really, really painful,” the official said according to the Lakers Daily.
“And LeBron’s body isn’t healing quickly anymore like it used to. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t play in October or November. The Lakers have to be careful with this injury, and I think they will be very, very cautious.”
Six-week absence means James will miss 10 to 15 games.
Lakers’ life without Lebron James
Lebron will be contented right now as an observer and as a mentor to his teammates.
Redick is preparing his squad for games without him and one thing he is focusing on is team’s defense. He said it will be a team defense instead of having one player that takes all the load.
“We don’t have lockdown defenders. So we rely on our health defense,” Redick told Evan Sidery.
“When you decide to go small like we did for this stretch… you’re going to naturally end up with some mismatches. A lot of times, have to be putting your body on the line and taking a charge.”
This analysis got James’ approval.
Love to see this. Hot take culture so tired. @mindthegamepod https://t.co/5XdmEgfVEo
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 16, 2025
Defense is what the Lakers addressed this summer by signing DeAndre Ayton. They also got Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.
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