After months of drama about whether ‘He’ is staying or leaving, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Another championship chase to match the likes of Kobe Bryant and more, LeBron will wish to give his all. The Los Angeles Lakers have decked out Crypto.com Arena to host the Golden State Warriors as they dream of raising their 18th banner to the rafters. But for that big dream to come true, it’s time for Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James. But what is LeBron James’ status for Tuesday’s game night?

As much as the Lakers Nation would’ve loved a “yes”, the truth of the matter remains that LeBron James won’t be playing on the opening night of the 2025-26 NBA Season. Earlier on Monday, the Lakers released their injury report for Tuesday against the Dubs. And unfortunately, the report says, Bron will be out due to right sciatica. Interestingly enough, it will be the first time in his 23-year-long career that the 40-year-old will miss an opening game.

Simply put, the Chosen One is playing the long game this season. The Lakers know better than to rush a legend healing from a nerve issue. Instead, he’s choosing wisdom over wear and tear, with eyes set on a mid-November comeback, reported Shams Charania of ESPN. “I’m told that the Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him. And so, October 30 would be the earliest that the Lakers would be officially re-evaluating LeBron James.”

“It is expected he will need at least a few weeks after that point. A source told me tonight that LeBron will be taking a patient approach with this rehab from the nerve injury,” the insider reported. “So the ramp-up process for this will be a lot of basketball shape conditioning work, because remember, as I reported last week on NBA Today, LeBron James first suffered this nerve issue during an on-court workout in late July, early August,” Charania added.

The ESPN reporter further highlighted, “He wasn’t able to have that normal LeBron James offseason that we’re accustomed to. And as super-human as he’s been throughout his NBA career, he is turning 41 in December, and he is in Year 23. So that’s the timeline on LeBron James, at some point in November, likely around that mid-November range.” Meanwhile, even if LeBron gets the green light, the road back will need patience.

With no training camp or preseason grind, he’ll take time to find his rhythm. The Lakers face a brutal early schedule, but Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are gearing up to keep the Lakers afloat after a poor preseason show. At the same time, Adou Thiero will watch the opener from the sidelines as he continues to rehab his left knee, having missed both training camp and preseason. He’s now easing into on-court work and will be re-evaluated soon.

Meanwhile, Bronny James is going to shake off an ankle sprain and is ready for action. Then, Jaxson Hayes, cleared after a wrist scare, brings his energy back for Tuesday’s clash against the Warriors. Now, that’s all about the injury report, so that the Lakers Nation can think and analyze. But where are we going to watch LeBron James‘ teammates play against Steph Curry & Co.?

Where to watch the LA Lakers vs the Golden State Warriors?

Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

Time: 10 p.m. ET on October 21

Venue: Crypto.com Arena

NBC tips off its NBA season on October 21 with Rockets-Thunder before the spotlight shifts to Warriors-Lakers. From then, fans can catch “Coast 2 Coast Tuesday” every week on NBC and Peacock until April 7. For those tuning in on the go, SiriusXM channel 86 will carry the Lakers call live from the hardwood.

Starting Five for the Lakers:

• Luka Doncic (PG)
• Austin Reaves (SG)
• Rui Hachimura (SF)
• Jarred Vanderbilt/Jake LaRavia (PF) [replacing LeBron James]
• Deandre Ayton (C)

Starting Five for the Warriors:

• Stephen Curry (PG)
• Buddy Hield/Brandin Podziemski (SG) [replacing Moses Moody]
• Jimmy Butler (DD) (SF)
• Draymond Green (PF)
• Al Horford (C)

The stage is set, the lights are blazing, and the cheers are already echoing at Crypto.com Arena. LeBron sits out, but Luka, Reaves, and the rest of the Lakers are ready to battle Curry and the Warriors head-on. Magic Johnson would tip his hat to this resilience. With injuries, comebacks, and a clash of titans, Tuesday promises drama, sweat, and sparks, keeping every Lakers fan glued to their screens and radios for sure!