US Edition‘It’s a Big Change’: Lakers Taking LeBron James’ Injury in Stride
The Lakers weigh Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt to fill LeBron James' starting role during his 3-4 week absence with sciatica, aiming to maintain team strength.
- On Oct. 21 the Lakers may open without LeBron James as they weigh Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt for the final starting spot.
- LeBron James developed sciatica during late July or early August workouts, and he had been a limited participant in practices as the team monitored the nerve irritation.
- Marcus Smart's camp form and leadership put him in contention, impressing coaches with defense and communication as he prepares to debut Sunday after Achilles tendinopathy.
- Coach JJ Redick is planning separate `LeBron` and `non-LeBron` rotations, with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton occupying three starting spots while James is out, and the team will reevaluate him in late October or early November.
- For the long term, James' absence marks a first in his 23-year NBA career as his $52.6 million player option fueled speculation about retirement amid concerns over the Lakers' workload management.
25 Articles
25 Articles
LeBron's Injury Has Lakers Rethinking Everything
Los Angeles Lakers second-year coach JJ Redick is facing his first major challenge of the season before it even begins.According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica — a nerve irritation that affects the glute and lower back — sidelining him for an estimated three to four weeks. The setback is expected to keep the 40-year-old superstar out until late November or early December.“We knew …
San Bernardino Sun
‘It’s a big change’: Lakers taking LeBron James’ injury in stride
EL SEGUNDO — The news the Lakers shared shortly after Thursday’s practice made multiple things clear: LeBron James will miss Opening Night for the first time in his career because of sciatica (nerve pain) on his right side when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 to kick off their 2025-26 regular season. And the Lakers will likely have to play several games to start the season without James, who the team said will be reevaluated…
"Ton of spine rotation for first time": Sports Doctor points to LeBron James' golf adventure resulting in sciatica
The LA Lakers announced on Thursday that superstar forward LeBron James is suffering from sciatica on his right side and is set to miss the season’s opening night as he will be re-evaluated in three t
For the first time since joining the NBA in 2003, LeBron James will not be present in the opening game of the regular season. The Los Angeles Lakers forward will be out due to a sciatic nerve ailment, keeping him off the courts for several weeks. Diagnosis: lumbar sciatic nerve involvement James' injury involves the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower part of the spine and extends through the buttocks, hamstrings and lower legs. Accordi…
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