Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James will miss a season opener for the first time in his career.
James will be reevalauted in 3-4 weeks due to a sciatica on his right side, the Lakers announced on Oct. 9. Not only will it sideline James for the season opener, but his availability for a game later this month against the Memphis Grizzlies is now in jeopardy.
Advertisement
The Grizzlies will play the Lakers on Oct. 31 at FedExForum. That game will also serve as a group matchup for NBA Cup play.
On a larger scale, James, 40, may have already played his final game at FedExForum even though the 21-time All-Star has not announced any plans to retire.
The only Grizzlies and Lakers will only play one game at FedExForum during the regular season. The two other regular season meetings will be at Crypto.com Arena. It’s possible that two Western Conference foes could meet in the postseason.
James has suited up in 25 regular season games at FedExForum. He’s averaged 27.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists in those games with a 14-11 record.
Advertisement
The Grizzlies have their own share of injured players they’re hoping to have back. Ja Morant is out with a sprained left ankle, but he doesn’t sound worried about missing the season opener. Jaren Jackson Jr. (right turf toe procedure) has also not been ruled out for the season opener.
Memphis will open regular season action on Oct. 22 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: LeBron James’ injury may prevent him from playing in Memphis this season