LeBron James Out: NBA Season Start Affected by Sciatica

LeBron James
Out of Action for 3-4 Weeks
… Will Miss Season’s Opening

Published October 9, 2025 2:55 PM PDT

Lakers supporters are still shaken by the recent LeBron James “Second Decision” chaos, now facing even more concern as the star forward has been ruled out for the initial phase of the NBA season due to injury.

The organization announced on Thursday that James will be sidelined for approximately three to four weeks due to sciatica—an ailment that results in discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the lower back and legs.

<pAccording to the team's timeline, the 40-year-old forward will be unavailable for Los Angeles' home opener against Steph Curry‘s Warriors on October 21. It is also highly likely that he will miss the game against Anthony Edwards‘ Timberwolves on October 24.

There’s a possibility that James could make his return on Halloween night against the Grizzlies, but the unpredictable nature of the injury means nothing is certain just yet.

This timing is especially troubling for James and the Lakers’ fanbase, who recently experienced tension when James hinted he might be contemplating retirement.

It turned out to be just an advertisement — but alas, sciatica is a genuine concern, and the Lakers will need their other players to step up in the early part of the 2025 season.