After the emotional fallout from the “second decision” bluff that left LeBron James and Lakers fans feeling betrayed, another heartbreak has hit Los Angeles. The Lakers have confirmed that LeBron will miss the start of the upcoming NBA season due to a nerve injury, marking a rare setback in his otherwise resilient career. The blow not only sidelines their emotional leader but also snaps his iconic streak of opening-night appearances. What scares the Lakers more is the gravity of the injury.

NBA insider Shams Charania recently shed light on the situation, offering key details about the origin and timeline of LeBron James’ injury. “My understanding is this injury for LeBron, this nerve issue, first developed in late July or early August during an on-court workout,” Charania reported. He revealed the diagnosis to be sciatica on James’ right side, an issue expected to sideline the Lakers star for three to four weeks, a tough blow ahead of the new season’s tipoff.

Charania further noted that the lingering nature of the injury has disrupted LeBron’s regular training rhythm. “It’s now two and a half months and counting that he’s had to deal with it and manage it,” he explained. “Even before the Lakers’ media day on September 29 and the start of training camp, I’m told LeBron James had not done much basketball activity for well over a month.” The prolonged recovery underscores just how significant this setback has been for the Lakers star, who will turn 41 this December.

This extended absence means the Lakers will need to find answers quickly in the opening stretch of the season. Unlike many veterans nearing 40, LeBron James remains a vital force for Los Angeles, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season, numbers that are nearly impossible to replicate. Head coach JJ Redick had already acknowledged that James would follow his own recovery timeline, but now he must prepare a rotation that can survive without its cornerstone leader.

The decision to sideline LeBron underscores a deliberate, cautious approach from both the player and the organization. As Shams Charania noted, “For him to be out to start the season and miss his first-ever opening night shows an admission by him and the Lakers that he needs more time to ramp up, get into basketball shape, and reach the conditioning he’s accustomed to.” But with these developments, the Lakers will look to put more pressure on their star player, Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic is under further pressure amid LeBron’s injury

With James out, the Lakers must now build their early identity entirely around the 26-year-old guard, and this extended absence immediately shifts a massive burden onto co-star Luka Doncic. Doncic is coming off a season where he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, and he reportedly arrived at camp in the best shape of his life.

The situation underscores a long-term reality for the franchise. As one report noted, “This, of course, is his team to lead long-term.” The expectation was always that James would need to find ways to fit around Doncic, and that process is now being forced upon the team ahead of schedule.

This period also presents a unique opportunity for Doncic to strengthen his case in the MVP conversation as well as the next-gen carrier of the Lakers. With James off the court, Doncic will have complete control of the offense and is expected to see a major spike in his statistical production. If Luka can carry the Lakers to a strong start against a difficult early schedule, it would generate significant momentum for his individual campaign as well. The injury to LeBron James also brings the team’s future into sharp focus.

It highlights the challenge of building a championship roster around two ball-dominant superstars at opposite ends of their careers, especially when neither is known for elite defense. The Lakers now have a pressing need to see if their roster, built around Doncic and James, can truly contend, or if a more decisive shift toward building solely around Doncic is necessary.