LeBron James set to miss start of Lakers’ season with sciatica

• Dave McMenaminOct 9, 2025, 05:23 PM ET

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  • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
  • Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who has yet to participate in training camp, will be sidelined an additional three to four weeks because of sciatica on his right side, the team announced Thursday.

James, 40, missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games and has yet to participate in a full practice because of what coach JJ Redick described as nerve irritation in his glute.

Sciatica describes the symptoms of irritation, inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve, according to ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell. The nerve originates from a cluster of nerve roots in the lumbar (lower) spine and travels through the gluteal muscles and the hamstrings before branching into other smaller nerves in the lower leg and foot. Symptoms can range from pain that can be sharp or burning to numbness and tingling or pins and needles. Resolution time varies widely and depends on the source of the problem.

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When asked Thursday for an update on James’ progress with the injury, before the Lakers released the sciatica diagnosis, Redick said James was “on his own timeline.”

Should James continue to be sidelined for the full three to four weeks, he would miss the Lakers’ opening-night game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this week that James would likely miss the preseason but had been targeting opening night for his return to game action.

James is embarking on a record-setting 23rd season, breaking a tie with Vince Carter for the longest career in NBA history.

Since James joined the Lakers in 2018-19, Los Angeles is 248-171 (a .591 winning percentage) with him on the court. When he does not play, the Lakers are 56-78 (.418).

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