Imagine the NBA's all-time legend, LeBron James, sidelined just as the season kicks off – a heartbreaking blow for Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts everywhere! But here's where it gets controversial: at 41 years old, is it time for the King to step back, or should he keep defying the odds? Let's dive into the details and uncover what this means for the team and the sport.
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially announced that their star forward, LeBron James, will be absent from the beginning of the regular season due to sciatica affecting his right side. This condition involves nerve pain stemming from irritation or injury to the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sciatica impacts one or more of the nerves that travel from the lower back, through the hip and buttocks, and down the leg on either side. For beginners, think of it like a pinched wire in your body's electrical system – it can cause sharp pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg, often making simple movements like walking or sitting uncomfortable. Athletes like James, who endure intense physical demands, are particularly prone to this because of repetitive stress on the spine and muscles. For example, other NBA stars have faced similar issues, like Kevin Durant or even historical cases with players pushing through to avoid missing games.
James, who will celebrate his 41st birthday in December, is gearing up for his remarkable 23rd NBA season. Despite this milestone, he hasn't yet joined the Lakers' practices or preseason games. Coach JJ Redick shared insights after the team's first practice on September 30, explaining that the Lakers and James are carefully managing the situation. He noted that the veteran likely needs more time to gradually build up before the opening night, describing it as 'a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.' At that point, the expectation was for James to participate in at least some preseason action, with the primary aim of being fully prepared for the regular season debut.
The Lakers are set to open their campaign on October 21 at home against the Golden State Warriors. James holds the NBA record for the most minutes played in league history, and this season, he's on track to surpass Robert Parrish for the most games played ever. And this is the part most people miss: with such an illustrious career, how does one injury shift the narrative from unstoppable force to vulnerable icon?
This story will be updated as new developments unfold.
October 9, 2025
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Jenna West is a senior editor on The Athletic's news team. Before joining The Athletic, she worked as a writer and producer for Sports Illustrated's national news desk. Jenna graduated from Northwestern University.
What do you think – should LeBron prioritize his health and longevity over pushing through at this stage of his career, or is the thrill of the game worth the risk? And here's a controversial take: some fans argue that the Lakers' management might be hiding the severity to avoid panic, while others say it's just smart strategy. Do you agree or disagree? Share your opinions in the comments below – let's discuss!
