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LeBron James to Miss Start of NBA Season Due to Sciatic nerve Irritation Following Retirement Rumors
LOS ANGELES, CA - October 7, 2025 – LeBron James will be sidelined for the beginning of the NBA season due to irritation of a glute nerve, impacting the sciatic nerve from his lower back to his leg, the Los Angeles Lakers announced. The injury comes shortly after a false report of his retirement sparked widespread reaction on social media.
James missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games with the injury, which Lakers coach JJ Redick described as causing pain or numbness along the sciatic nerve path. The team stated James will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, with further updates to follow. Redick noted on Thursday that both James and Luka Doncic were limited to “modified, mostly individual work” in training.
ESPN reported Tuesday that James is likely to miss the entire preseason but is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
The four-time NBA champion and all-time leading scorer recently expressed enthusiasm about potentially becoming the first player in NBA history to compete in a 23rd season. “Whatever journey this year has in store for me, I’m super committed because I don’t know when the end will be. It’s much sooner rather than later,” James told reporters last month.
James currently holds the NBA record for most points scored and is now aiming to surpass Brazilian Oscar Schmidt, the highest scorer in the history of world basketball.
