Earlier in 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers had big dreams heading into the 2025-26 season. With a tweaked roster and a team centered around Luka Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers were supposed to win it all while trying to bag their 18th franchise title.
However, their plan to frontload the ambitious James-Dončić has faced a setback days before a new campaign begins.
Is LA Lakers Star LeBron James Playing Tonight vs. the Dallas Mavericks?
Earlier this month, reports confirmed that James would be missing the start of what would be his 23rd NBA season. The four-time NBA champion was diagnosed with sciatica, which will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.
Of course, a three-to-four-week timeline will sideline James for the start of their new campaign. James will be out at least until the end of October, and will probably miss around six games to start with.
According to the NBA, sciatica is “pain in the nerves running from the buttocks and down the back of the legs.”
Furthermore, the 40-year-old has yet to participate in a full practice with his team. This includes the training camp, where head coach JJ Redick revealed that James is currently “on his own timeline.”
“You’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt,” Redick explained. “That’s a shame, but that’s just the reality. … No one has got any time with LeBron. That’s not just (new center Deandre Ayton), but everybody. (James) hasn’t been on the court with the team, but that’s just the reality.”
Last season, James scored 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the field.
Redick, in another interview, seemed unsure about James’ return: “You hope he can be back soon. Those things can be tricky.”
NBA Insider Sounded Alarm Bells About James’ Time With the Lakers
In a recent report, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin painted a candid picture of James’ time off the court. With rumors pointing towards James’ departure from the Lakers, McMenamin stated that the 21-time All-Star will be carefully watching the team’s performance.
“LeBron’s gotta be watching, while he’s out,” McMenamin said. “If they are struggling, that could lead to the next step… When Rich Paul said that LeBron will be watching the Lakers’ every move because the priority is to win. If they are not winning, maybe LeBron might have to go elsewhere.”
Of course, focus will remain on James’ return, fans hoping for a strong on-court presence alongside Dončić.
The Lakers’ next preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks is scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 10:30 p.m. EST.