The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be without LeBron James for the next three to four weeks because of sciatica. James was initially dealing with pain in his glutes, causing him to miss the first two preseason games against the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “The King” has been dealing with a nerve injury since late July to early August. It prevented him from participating in training camp and disrupted his offseason routine.
“My understanding is this injury for LeBron, this nerve issue, first developed, first occurred in late July, early August during an on-court workout. So it’s now two and a half months and counting that he’s had to deal with it and manage it. So even before the Lakers media day on September 29th and the start of training camp, I’m told LeBron James had not done much basketball for well over a month prior to that, so it hasn’t been a normal routine summer for him,” Charania said.
Charania added that James will need more time to begin ramping up his recovery, which is a concern for the Lakers. At the age of 40, the four-time NBA champion will have to be more cautious than ever about his body.
Golf Didn’t Cause LeBron James’ Injury
LeBron James went viral this offseason after he started playing golf and seemed to have enjoyed it. His swing still needs work, but he improved every time he posted something from the green. Many fans were concerned that James’ newfound hobby caused his sciatica, which is common among golfers.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst quickly debunked the assumptions on “NBA Today” by revealing that James’ sciatica was a basketball injury. Windhorst added that the four-time NBA MVP was recovering from a knee injury and has had issues with discs on his back during his legendary career.
“This is an injury that is related to basketball, but I want to point something out. LeBron has had an injury at the beginning of the summer. At the end of the Lakers season, he hurt his knee. He sprained his knee and he was out for about six weeks recovering from that injury. … The second thing is LeBron, in his career, has had disc issues in his back, and I’m not saying that’s what leads to the sciatica,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst isn’t too concerned about the Los Angeles Lakers’ situation without LeBron James. The Lakers don’t need him healthy early in the season but in the playoffs.
Who Would Start In LeBron James’ Absence?
As LeBron James recovers, coach JJ Redick needs to find the right starting lineup to start the season. According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, Redick has several options depending on matchups. Quinn suggested starting both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura, alongside Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves.
Smart is in for his defense, while Hachimura’s shooting opens up the Lakers’ offense. But if Smart isn’t fully healthy, Jarred Vanderbilt could also get the nod due to his defensive versatility.
The Lakers have four preseason games left, so Redick has time to tinker with his starting lineups. They open the 2025-26 season at home on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
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