LeBron's Sciatica Setback: Lakers Aim for November Return Amid Bryce's Debut and Maverick's Big Move
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LeBron's Sciatica Setback: Lakers Aim for November Return Amid Bryce's Debut and Maverick's Big Move
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LeBron James is currently dealing with a sciatica injury in his right side that's keeping him out of action for the early part of the Lakers' 2025-26 season. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers are targeting mid-November as a realistic return date for the NBA legend, with an official reevaluation scheduled for October 30th. The injury has already impacted the team significantly, as they dropped their season opener to the Golden State Warriors 119-109 on Tuesday, with new addition Luka Doncic stepping up to score 43 points in LeBron's absence.
Despite being sidelined, LeBron made a heartfelt courtside appearance Friday night during the Lakers' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, sporting an Arizona jersey to show support for his son Bryce James, who recently made his college basketball debut in Arizona's Red-Blue Showcase exhibition. The gesture highlighted the family's ongoing basketball legacy, with Bronny already playing for the Lakers after being drafted in 2024.
Off the court, there's been major movement in LeBron's business empire. His close friend and business partner Maverick Carter has walked away from Project B, a massive five billion dollar venture that was supposed to rival the NBA. ESPN's Brian Windhorst confirmed Carter's exit from the ambitious project, which is now reportedly shifting focus toward launching a women's basketball league to compete with the WNBA.
The season's opening also brought impressive viewership numbers for the NBA's return to NBC. The network's coverage of the Thunder-Rockets and Warriors-Lakers doubleheader drew 5.9 million and 5.1 million viewers respectively, marking the largest audience for an NBA tip-off doubleheader since LeBron joined the Heat in 2010.
Now in his record 23rd NBA season at age 40, LeBron is playing on the final year of his 52.6 million dollar contract. Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted he's had moments during games wishing he had LeBron available, particularly when the team struggled against zone defenses in their opener. The Lakers will need to navigate these early weeks without their all-time leading scorer while hoping for a mid-November return.
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