LeBron James Injury Update: Will Lakers Star Return This Month?

LeBron James continues to sit out the 2025–26 NBA season due to sciatica, a nerve condition affecting his lower back and right side. The 40-year-old Lakers forward has yet to make his season debut as of early November. Despite his absence, Los Angeles has started the season 7-2, exceeding expectations without their captain. Recent reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and The Athletic’s Jovan Buha provide updates on James’ recovery timeline and potential return. Fans remain eager to learn when one of basketball’s greatest players will rejoin the lineup.

LeBron James’ Injury and Current Status

At the start of the season, the Lakers ruled James out for opening night due to ongoing sciatica issues. The team initially projected a three-to-four-week reevaluation period, with head coach JJ Redick emphasizing that James is “on his own timeline.” Since training camp, James has focused on individual workouts and controlled training at the Lakers’ El Segundo facility.

According to McMenamin, the next critical step in his recovery is participating in live, full-speed five-on-five drills. James is expected to skip the upcoming five-game road trip and may practice with the South Bay Lakers to gain live reps while remaining close to medical staff in Los Angeles.

Quotes and Insider Reactions

“If it happens when the team’s away, maybe it happens with the G League group and getting some reps with them,” Jovan Buha said, hinting at a possible temporary assignment to South Bay.

Redick has stressed patience, noting the team is “focused on keeping him healthy and allowing the recovery to progress without rush.” Analysts have highlighted that such a cautious approach is prudent given James’ age and previous back concerns.

Team Performance Without LeBron

Despite missing their star, the Lakers are thriving with a 7-2 start. Luka Dončić has been dominant, averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists over his last five games. Austin Reaves contributed a career-high 51 points against Sacramento, bolstering the team’s offensive output.

Anthony Davis’ leadership on defense has helped maintain strong rotations, and head coach JJ Redick has experimented with multiple offensive combinations. The Lakers’ early success suggests the team can compete at a high level even in LeBron’s absence.

What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers

LeBron’s return is expected to follow the completion of full-speed practice drills, likely later in November. His recovery timeline will be carefully monitored to avoid aggravating his sciatica. Meanwhile, the Lakers will continue their current rotation and strategies to sustain momentum through the upcoming road trip and beyond.

James opted into his $52.6 million contract for the season, keeping discussions about his long-term future alive. For now, both fans and analysts await his eventual return, which could significantly impact playoff positioning and team dynamics.

Sources

• ESPN – Dave McMenamin

• The Athletic – Jovan Buha

• Lakers official statements