The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a tough start to the 2025–26 NBA season- and it begins with LeBron James on the sidelines. The team confirmed Thursday that the 21-time All-Star will miss three to four weeks due to sciatica on his right side, which could delay his return to full action. James, who turns 41 this season, is preparing for his record-setting 23rd year in the NBA and eighth with the Lakers.

Following the Lakers’ announcement, spinal specialist physiotherapist Thomas Dekkers took to X to explain how complex and underappreciated sciatica can be. “Radicular or neuropathic pain — ‘sciatica’ — is a BIG problem, and one I think that’s just not acknowledged enough,” Dekkers wrote. “Out of the 12 spinal patients I saw yesterday, six had a radicular pain component, some very severe. That’s my average day in private practice and it speaks to the nature of the problem.”

He added that while radiculopathy (the medical term for nerve root irritation) affects only about 4–8% of people annually, its impact is far more debilitating than typical back pain.

“Research shows that those with radiculopathy experience higher pain, greater disability, and more medical intervention than those with low back pain alone,” Dekkers continued. “The term ‘sciatica’ gets thrown around a lot — usually inappropriately — but for those who truly have it, it’s an awful condition and it demands the best of our care.”

Before the diagnosis was made public, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said LeBron was “on his own timeline” when asked about his recovery. That timeline now appears likely to stretch well into late October—potentially sidelining him for opening night against the Warriors and possibly beyond.

Sciatica refers to pain that originates in the lower spine and radiates down the leg, often triggered by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It can cause sharp discomfort, tingling, or numbness—symptoms that can significantly affect movement and explosiveness.

ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that James was unlikely to appear in the preseason but had been targeting opening night for a return. With this latest update, that goal may now be in jeopardy.

LeBron James’ absence halts Lakers’ chemistry push

The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping for a fresh start this training camp—their first full one featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic together. But the team’s much-anticipated chemistry-building sessions are happening largely without their two biggest stars. Doncic, who joined midway through last season, has also been easing his way back after a long summer with EuroBasket duties.

Neither James nor Doncic suited up for the Lakers’ first two preseason games, and the next opportunity comes Sunday at home. While Doncic has taken part in limited full practices and scrimmages, center Deandre Ayton admitted the team is eager to finally get everyone on the floor together.

“It’s something I’ve just been waiting on,” Ayton said. “JJ and the coaching staff probably have something where they can put stuff together for all of us to really grow chemistry.”

With LeBron James sidelined from meaningful action for the foreseeable future, the Lakers face an inevitable chemistry delay with new additions like Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton.

Even though James is no longer the primary ball-handler- a role now assumed by Luka Doncic- his impact as a secondary playmaker remains critical. Developing timing and synergy with Doncic in particular could take time once LeBron returns.

Much has been made of JJ Redick’s choice to rest his superstars during the preseason, but in light of this latest health update, it’s clear the priority is long-term durability over early rhythm.

The Lakers are hopeful that even under a minutes restriction, James can ramp up steadily with the bigger picture in mind- a deep postseason run.

Despite being sidelined, James has stayed close to the group—traveling with the team on preseason trips to Palm Desert and San Francisco while performing individual workouts and on-court drills. Off the court, he stirred buzz earlier this week after teasing a cryptic “Second Decision” on social media, which turned out to be an advertisement for a cognac brand.

James, now in his 23rd NBA season, has acknowledged that retirement could be approaching, saying the end of his legendary career will come “sooner than later.”

Redick had hoped both James and Doncic could take part in at least one preseason “dress rehearsal” before opening night. But with James officially ruled out, those plans are shifting. Doncic, however, is still expected to log minutes before the preseason ends—with four exhibition games remaining, including two in Los Angeles.