LeBron James will miss start of NBA season due to injury

The Los Angeles Lakers will have to begin the 2025 NBA season without LeBron James after the veteran superstar picked up another preseason injury.

James, now 40 years old, was sidelined for the first two Lakers preseason games due to a nerve irritation in his glute, according to head coach J.J. Reddick. However on Thursday the Lakers confirmed that James is now suffering with sciatica, ruling him out for between three and four weeks. That means that he will likely miss the opening game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.

The latest ailment - sciatica - is a pain in the spine that spreads down the back of the leg, reducing mobility considerably.

Earlier this week James was in the headlines after posting a teasing video on social media, promising a new “decision” in the style of his infamous televised announcement of his move to the Miami Heat in 2010. But while some feared that James was going to announce a move away from the Lakers, or even a retirement decision, in reality it was just an advertisement with a liquor brand.

James looks set to stay with the Lakers through the 2025 season, the second year of a $101.35 million, two-year deal signed in 2024. As soon as he takes to the court he will become the first player to compete in 23 seasons of the NBA, searching for a historic fifth championship ring.

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