LEBRON James is set to miss the start of the NBA season after suffering an injury.

Lakers veteran small forward James, 40, is preparing for his 23rd season in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers v Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James will miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ first game of the seasonCredit: Getty
 
Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game FourJames has suffered a sciatica on his right sideCredit: Getty
He will now miss the opening games of the 2025-26 campaign with a painful injury.

James has suffered a sciatica on his right side during the Lakers’ preseason.

A sciatica is pain that runs from the lower back to the leg.

It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its roots.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick, 41, has described the injury as concentrated in James’ glute.

James is yet to participate in the team’s training camp as they prepare for the upcoming season.

He will be unavailable for selection for an additional three to four weeks.

LA Lakers star LeBron James out indefinitely with high ankle sprain | Los  Angeles Lakers | The Guardian

This means that James will be missing from the Lakers’ remaining preseason games.

James will also be missing from their NBA season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, October 21.

The veteran has faced criticism over the past week after his brand deal with Hennessy.

His so-called “Second Decision” had led fans to think that James would be announcing his retirement from professional basketball.

This name was in reference to “The Decision”, which saw the small forward leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010.

A fan has sued James for this as many believe that his alcohol sponsorship was deliberately misleading.

James is entering his second season of playing alongside his son, Bronny.

The 21-year-old has come under fire after lacklustre preseason performances.

They became the first-ever father-son duo to play in the NBA last season.

However, James Sr. will not wait for his second son Bryant, 18, to turn professional.

James is regarded as one of the NBA’s greatest-ever players with four champions’ rings.

He featured prominently for the Lakers last season with 70 starts for the side.

His last appearance came in May during the Lakers’ conference quarter-finals defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.