On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers took on Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies to start the NBA Cup play. LeBron James , the Lakers' premier player, is still out for the first few weeks of the 2025–26 NBA season owing to a right-side sciatica ailment.
The 40-year-old attacker has been unable to make his season debut due to an ailment that affects the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down through the leg. All eyes are on the Lakers' ability to adjust without their most seasoned captain as they get ready to play the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 31, 2025.
LeBron James’ sciatica setback leaves Los Angeles Lakers searching for rhythm early in the season
Due to ongoing inflammation on the right side of his sciatic nerve, LeBron James will not play against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. He has been sidelined since the preseason due to this problem, which radiates pain from the lower back through the leg and glute.
On October 9, the Lakers first declared that LeBron will be sidelined for a minimum of three to four weeks due to nerve irritation in his gluteal region. James, who is currently dealing with sciatica on his right side, may return in mid-November, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
James is undoubtedly finding it difficult to be on the outside looking in. As his retirement draws nearer, the forty-year-old doesn't want time to pass. But in the interim, James has done a fantastic job of being a helpful teammate.
LeBron's doctors are cautiously optimistic that he could return by the second or third week of November, but head coach JJ Redick says sciatica is "a tricky condition" with no set recovery timeframe.
LeBron is missing the season opening for the first time in his legendary 23-year NBA career, which is a sign of the severity of the injury and the team's emphasis on long-term preservation.
Due to the Lakers' heavy reliance on their supporting cast in the absence of its two biggest names, LeBron James and Luka Doncic , this setback has sparked more general concerns about the team's start to the season.
JJ Redick’s revamped Lakers adjust to life without LeBron James in early NBA Cup push
Under new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers still have a solid and deep roster, but the lack of consistency among the starters has caused problems with both offensive flow and defensive harmony. Due to LeBron's prolonged absence, the team's younger players are now receiving more attention as the NBA Cup group stage gets underway.
There is a leadership void on and off the court as a result of LeBron's absence. Players like Austin Reaves have responded by stepping up and assuming greater responsibility as the team's main scorers and playmakers. In addition to helping lead a younger locker room through the early part of the season, Reaves has been crucial in preserving offensive rhythm.
Redick has made changes to the Lakers' offensive scheme, focusing on increased ball movement and spacing to make up for LeBron's absence as a playmaker. Although neither player can match LeBron's on-court influence or game IQ, the team has looked to Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura to help fill the loss on defense.
It will be simple to evaluate the Lakers' 2025–26 ceiling if James is cleared to play and has a chance to settle in with the new look.
Also read: LeBron James teases a thrilling new venture that blends nostalgia, imagination, and a hint of Halloween mystery
The 40-year-old attacker has been unable to make his season debut due to an ailment that affects the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down through the leg. All eyes are on the Lakers' ability to adjust without their most seasoned captain as they get ready to play the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 31, 2025.
LeBron James’ sciatica setback leaves Los Angeles Lakers searching for rhythm early in the season
Due to ongoing inflammation on the right side of his sciatic nerve, LeBron James will not play against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. He has been sidelined since the preseason due to this problem, which radiates pain from the lower back through the leg and glute.
On October 9, the Lakers first declared that LeBron will be sidelined for a minimum of three to four weeks due to nerve irritation in his gluteal region. James, who is currently dealing with sciatica on his right side, may return in mid-November, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
James is undoubtedly finding it difficult to be on the outside looking in. As his retirement draws nearer, the forty-year-old doesn't want time to pass. But in the interim, James has done a fantastic job of being a helpful teammate.
Injuries 10/31
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 31, 2025
ATL:
Trae Young - Out
IND:
Taelon Peter - Questionable
Johnny Furphy - Questionable
Andrew Nembhard - Out
Bennedict Mathurin - Out
Tyrese Haliburton - Out
TJ McConnell - Out
Obi Toppin - Out
Kam Jones - Out
BOS:
Jayson Tatum - Out
PHI:
Paul George - Out
Jared…
LeBron's doctors are cautiously optimistic that he could return by the second or third week of November, but head coach JJ Redick says sciatica is "a tricky condition" with no set recovery timeframe.
LeBron is missing the season opening for the first time in his legendary 23-year NBA career, which is a sign of the severity of the injury and the team's emphasis on long-term preservation.
Due to the Lakers' heavy reliance on their supporting cast in the absence of its two biggest names, LeBron James and Luka Doncic , this setback has sparked more general concerns about the team's start to the season.
JJ Redick’s revamped Lakers adjust to life without LeBron James in early NBA Cup push
Under new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers still have a solid and deep roster, but the lack of consistency among the starters has caused problems with both offensive flow and defensive harmony. Due to LeBron's prolonged absence, the team's younger players are now receiving more attention as the NBA Cup group stage gets underway.
There is a leadership void on and off the court as a result of LeBron's absence. Players like Austin Reaves have responded by stepping up and assuming greater responsibility as the team's main scorers and playmakers. In addition to helping lead a younger locker room through the early part of the season, Reaves has been crucial in preserving offensive rhythm.
Redick has made changes to the Lakers' offensive scheme, focusing on increased ball movement and spacing to make up for LeBron's absence as a playmaker. Although neither player can match LeBron's on-court influence or game IQ, the team has looked to Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura to help fill the loss on defense.
It will be simple to evaluate the Lakers' 2025–26 ceiling if James is cleared to play and has a chance to settle in with the new look.
Also read: LeBron James teases a thrilling new venture that blends nostalgia, imagination, and a hint of Halloween mystery
You may also like
Kane Williamson announced his retirement just before the T20 World Cup, dealing a major blow to New Zealand.
The incredible £760m skyscraper with world's highest restaurant, pool and rainforest
After whirlwind political engagements in poll-bound Bihar, PM Modi prays at Patna Sahib Gurdwara
"PM Modi's arrival filled people with enthusiasm": BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav after Patna roadshow
Quick & Easy Ghee Trick: Turn Cream into Granular Desi Ghee in 5 Minutes Using Pressure Cooker
