NBA

Lakers fans on alert: LeBron injured and sidelined in training camp

The 40-year-old is already sidelined with an injury ahead of the season.

Michael Owens

Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.

Update: Oct 1st, 2025 08:01 EDT

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has fans’ heads spinning already as it was revealed that the NBA veteran is sidelined due to an injury to his glute.

Lakers coach JJ Redick referenced LeBron’s long career at the elite level when discussing his issue, potentially paving the way for further issues down the road.

He also warned that the team are stepping into the unknown regarding LeBron’s long term fitness for the upcoming season, saying that “it’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for [James],” admitted that “obviously in year 23, it’s uncharted territory here."

The coach also referenced the previous season’s preparations which James get injured: In Redicks’ mind, LeBron “probably did too much” and struggled physically as a result.

Luka. LeBron. Legendary.#LakersMediaDay x @bibigoUSA pic.twitter.com/348thgHyst
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 29, 2025

“It’ll be a slower process with him”

“It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game,” Redick revealed of the current physical issue. “He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.

He then admitted that he and the team are “playing the long game with LeBron” this season.

As for James himself, he told ESPN that “I’m still ramping things back up. I’m not where I want to be. But I mean, I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September. So, I got some time and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”

Last season, James appeared in 70 regular-season games and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, shooting 51.3 % from the field. He also shot 37.6 % from three-point range and 78.2 % from the free-throw line.