Year 23 for No. 23 has gotten off to an inauspicious start.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that star forward LeBron James will miss at least three to four weeks due to sciatica on his right side, ruling him out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
L.A. is set to host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 to cap the league's Opening Night double-header — doing so without James, which ends the future Hall of Famer's remarkable run of 22 consecutive appearances in his team's season-opener (per HoopsHype).
James, 40, had already missed the Lakers' first two pre-season games earlier in the week — despite travelling with the team — due to a lower-body nerve injury. Sciatica is described as pain going down the leg from the lower back, which may extend down the back, outside, or front of the leg.
When James does step on the court this season, he'll make even more history than he already has, becoming the first NBA player to complete 23 seasons. He's currently tied with Vince Carter for the all-time record.
Meanwhile, the top scorer in NBA history may also be the oldest active player in the league, but he's still been plenty productive when available. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.0 steals on 60.4 per cent true shooting in 70 games last year, earning a remarkable 21st consecutive all-star nod while making the all-NBA second team.
Lakers' head coach JJ Redick acknowledged James' absence earlier in the week, but also noted the importance of his team remaining prepared for when the four-time champion does eventually return.
“You’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt,” Redick said. “That’s a shame, but that’s just the reality. ... No one has got any time with LeBron. That’s not just (new centre Deandre Ayton), but everybody. (James) hasn’t been on the court with the team, but that’s just the reality.”
Thursday's announcement isn't the first time James has made news or scared his fans this week. On Monday, he teased “The Second Decision” on social media — for what turned out to be an advertisement for a cognac brand. James has repeatedly said he doesn't know whether he will retire after this season, only saying that the end to the longest career in NBA history will be “sooner than later.”
As for James' running mate, Luka Doncic, he too missed the Lakers' first two preseason games, but thankfully for fans of the Slovenian superstar, the reason is less concerning.
L.A. is deliberately slow-playing the star guard's return to full participation after Doncic spent the summer playing for seventh-place Slovenia at EuroBasket. The Lakers will play eight games in 13 days beginning on Oct. 24.
Redick had said he was hopeful that James and Doncic would participate in at least one pre-season game that could be used as a “dress rehearsal” for the regular season, but that won't be the case anymore.
The Lakers return to action on Sunday for their third of six pre-season contests, taking on the visiting Warriors.
— with files from the Associated Press
