LeBron James will miss the start of his 23rd NBA season as the Los Angeles Lakers announced that the basketball legend is dealing with sciatica — a nerve issue that will sideline him for three to four weeks.
At 40, LeBron was gearing up for another standout season, but his momentum has been slowed by the setback. Concerns grew after he missed practices and preseason games, leading to speculation about his condition. What initially seemed like minor back pain has turned into a more serious issue involving irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica often causes sharp pain, tingling, or weakness that runs down the leg — symptoms that can seriously affect a player’s ability to move with power and speed.
Head coach JJ Redick assured reporters that the Lakers won’t rush LeBron’s return. “He’s not getting cleared until he’s ready,” he said, emphasizing that the team is prioritizing full recovery over quick results.
Reports indicate that LeBron will likely sit out the rest of the preseason and the opening week of the regular season. His absence will be a major test for the Lakers, who now face the challenge of starting the year without their leader and main playmaker in a highly competitive Western Conference.
