Will LeBron James play for Lakers against Warriors in NBA opener?

The NBA is back, and it opens with fireworks: the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors on the first night of the 2025–26 season. But one of basketball’s brightest stars won’t be part of it.

The Lakers have released their injury report, confirming that LeBron James has been ruled out of the opener against Golden State. The veteran forward will miss the game due to sciatic nerve pain in his right leg. The issue, initially described as “nerve irritation in the glute,” was later confirmed to be a full sciatic nerve injury, extending his absence beyond the preseason.

When was last time NBA Opening Night was without LeBron?

This will mark the first Opening Night without LeBron James since 2003. Since being drafted first overall that year, the Akron native has suited up for every season opener in his 23-year career – until now.

How long will LeBron James be out?

The Lakers’ medical staff has scheduled a re-evaluation for October 30, though there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready by early November. The team’s current projection places his return around mid-November, meaning he could miss at least the first 14 games of the season.

That absence could hurt his end-of-season award chances, especially if head coach JJ Redick opts for a cautious load management approach once James returns to the court.

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