The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to begin the 2025–26 NBA season without their biggest star. LeBron James, who has been sidelined with sciatica on his right side, is targeting a mid-November return, according to team officials. The update comes as the Lakers continue to monitor his condition closely while emphasizing a careful, patient recovery plan.
Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
The Lakers confirmed that James’ condition stems from irritation of the sciatic nerve, which causes pain radiating from the lower back down the leg. The issue surfaced during training camp and has kept him off the court for several weeks.
Medical staff plan to re-evaluate him in three to four weeks, with no expectation of his return before November. The team has stressed that they will not rush him back, especially as James, now 40 years old, enters his 23rd NBA season — an unprecedented milestone for longevity and performance in modern basketball.
Impact on the Lakers’ Season Start
James will miss the opening game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21 and possibly several more to follow. Depending on how his rehabilitation progresses, he could sit out between five and eight games before returning to the lineup.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that LeBron is “on his own timeline” and that the team is prioritizing his long-term health over immediate results. In his absence, younger stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are expected to step up as primary playmakers and scorers.
How the Team Plans to Adjust
Without LeBron, the Lakers will likely rely more on fast-paced offense and three-point shooting to maintain competitiveness. The coaching staff has hinted at expanded minutes for Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell, while big man Anthony Davis will anchor both ends of the floor.
The team’s defensive structure may also shift to reduce high-intensity rotations that typically rely on LeBron’s on-ball presence. Instead, Redick plans to emphasize collective effort and rotation balance.
What to Expect from LeBron’s Comeback
If LeBron returns by mid-November, his recovery timeline will fall in the six-to-eight-week range, consistent with typical rehabilitation for nerve-related injuries. His comeback will likely involve a gradual increase in workload — from limited individual drills to full practices and eventual game action.
Analysts expect the Lakers to manage his minutes carefully early in the season. Given James’ age and the long playoff run ambitions, expect a load-management strategy focused on sustainability rather than short-term gains.
Looking Ahead
While his absence presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for the Lakers’ younger roster to build chemistry and confidence. LeBron’s leadership, even from the sidelines, continues to guide the team as they aim to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference.
The mid-November target date marks the next major checkpoint — one that could determine whether the Lakers’ season starts as a setback or a statement of resilience.
