LeBron James to Sit Out Season Opener Against Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will not be taking the court for the team's 2025-26 NBA season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21st. The team has announced that James is currently dealing with sciatica on his right side and will be reevaluated in approximately three to four weeks, as reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic.

Initially, it was revealed that James is struggling with nerve irritation in his glute, which has caused him to miss the Lakers' first two preseason games. Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the media on Thursday, sharing that James is "on his own timeline" as he continues his recovery.

The Lakers first disclosed James' injury at the end of September, and further insights from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin indicate the team's approach to be “overly cautious” during training camp and preseason. McMenamin noted, "If this team's going to be contending for a championship, we need LeBron in his best shape from April through June." This statement highlights the Lakers' intention to prioritize James' health over early-season appearances.

LeBron, who spent part of the offseason recovering from a sprained MCL sustained during the Lakers' playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, previously avoided surgery for that injury. Though the 41-year-old has managed to maintain a significant presence on the court by playing 70 or more games in each of the last two seasons, the reality of being the oldest player in the league necessitates a strategic approach to his workload.

As James gears up for a lengthy recovery, the pressure shifts to star player Luka Dončić. Entering his eighth season and looking for his first full year with the Lakers, Dončić aims to lead the team during James' absence and make a strong case for the MVP award. Keeping the Lakers competitive while James is sidelined will be crucial to Dončić's aspirations this season.