LeBron James’ Injury Report November 14 (Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers will once again be without LeBron James as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on November 14, 2025. The superstar has been officially ruled out due to persistent right sciatica, an issue that has plagued him since before the start of the 2025–26 season. Despite taking encouraging steps in his rehabilitation program and participating in extensive practice sessions, the Lakers are not ready to clear him for gameplay.LeBron James’ ongoing recovery has included multiple workouts with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he has taken part in full-contact 5-on-5 drills. Although these sessions have produced promising signs – with no reported discomfort or post-practice setbacks – the organization continues to prioritize caution, keeping him sidelined until he reaches full readiness for NBA action.
LeBron James’ Current Injury Status vs New Orleans Pelicans (November 14, 2025)
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James vs the New Orleans Pelicans (Image via Getty)
LeBronLeBron has been out since the beginning of the season after dealing with right sciatica, a nerve-related condition causing intense pain in the lower back and radiating down his right side. This condition prevented him from joining training camp and has already kept him from the Lakers’ first 13 regular-season games. While working with the South Bay Lakers, he has steadily increased the intensity of his sessions and has reportedly handled full-contact scrimmages well. Still, team medical staff and coaches believe he needs additional time before he returns to the main roster.
Availability for Tonight’s Pelicans Matchup
For tonight’s Lakers vs. Pelicans game, the organization has officially listed LeBron James as out. The decision reflects the team’s commitment to long-term health management, especially with sciatica being the type of injury that can flare up under heavy physical strain. The Lakers will also be missing several key contributors, including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jordan Goodwin, all ruled out for the matchup. Meanwhile, Adou Thiero remains questionable, leaving the roster in a challenging position as they face a competitive Pelicans squad.
Rehab Progress and What Comes Next
Although LeBron James is unavailable tonight, the trajectory of his rehabilitation remains positive. His participation in multiple high-intensity G League practices without complications indicates meaningful progress. The Lakers are optimistic that he could rejoin the team after their upcoming road trip, depending on how he responds to continued conditioning. For LeBron James, the priority is ensuring he returns at a level where he can perform at his standard of excellence, particularly as he aims to compete in what could be a historic 23rd NBA season.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans regular season game: Full injury report, who;s out, and more (November 14, 2025)For Lakers fans, patience remains essential. While his absence continues, the strides he’s making behind the scenes signal that a return may not be far off, and his eventual comeback will be crucial for the team’s championship ambitions.