How long is LeBron James out? Sciatica injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Lakers star

LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, per Shams Charania.The Lakers star was already ruled out for the preseason due to an injury and the franchise’s desire to give him as much rest as possible, but that rest may not be sufficient.

James is dealing with sciatica on his right side. Sciatica is a condition that causes pain and weakness in the lower back and leg. It is a common injury, especially in sports that often compress the sciatic nerve, such as basketball. James is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, which will run into the start of the regular season. The hope is that James will be able to return in early to mid-November.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Here is more on how long James will be out due to his sciatica injury.

LeBron James injury update

James was ruled out for the preseason as the Lakers started their preseason schedule. While James would likely want some reps, it isn't uncommon for him to rest throughout the preseason. At the time, there wasn't much cause for concern, even though reports said he was dealing with a minor injury.

James has been diagnosed with sciatica and is now expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks. This return timeline means the injury will linger into the regular season. Los Angeles will want to give him extra time to recover so he can minimize the risk of sciatica returning. 

MORE NBA: Ranking all 30 starting NBA small forwards

What is sciatica? 

"Sciatica happens when irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression affects one or more nerves that run down your lower back and into your legs," per the Cleveland Clinic. It is nerve pain from an injury to the sciatic nerve, which usually causes the nerve to become compressed. The result is tingling, numbness or pain in your lower back and leg. You have a sciatic nerve on either side of your body, and James' injury is to his right side. 

MORE NBA: Ranking the top 10 starters for the 2025-2026 season

How long will LeBron James be out?

James is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks. The Lakers open the regular season on Tuesday, October 21. If he returns on the early side of that timeline, James would miss roughly four or five games to start the year. If his recovery stretches into mid-November, he could be out for as many as 10 games.

MORE NBA: Full details after Paul Pierce arrested for DUI 

Lakers start of regular season schedule