SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on December 25, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will be sidelined for the next 3-4 weeks with a sciatica on his right side, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This means that he will miss the Lakers opening night game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21st. This marks the first time that James will miss a season opener in his career.
James, who is entering his 23rd season has obviously been showing more signs of slowing down as he advances in his age. Last season was the first year that James has not averaged 25 points per game since his rookie season all the way back in 2003. It was also the first season that he played under 35 minutes per game in his career as well.
Sciatica is an injury that can cause numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower back and legs. James was reportedly sidelined during training camp and preseason due to a glute injury, and it would make sense that this sciatica injury is connected to his previously reported glute injury.
James will still return fairly early in the Lakers season as long as there are no setbacks in his recovery from this sciatica injury, so for the time being Los Angeles will look to franchise superstar Luka Doncic to pick up the load while James is recovering.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikaibruce/2025/10/09/lakers-star-lebron-james-sidelined-for-3-4-weeks-with-sciatica/
