LeBron James is reportedly going to miss the 2025–2026 NBA season due to sciatica.

LeBron James, 40, is rumored to have missed opening night because of sciatica, which will hinder the start of his record 23rd NBA season.

In three to four weeks, James is reportedly scheduled to have another evaluation.

The story was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer has not fully engaged in Lakers practices since training camp started earlier this month. Additionally, he has missed the team's first two preseason games due to what head coach JJ Redick says is a glute nerve irritation.

Before the Lakers' regular-season opener at the Crypto.com Arena on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry, Redick said Thursday that James is "on his own timeline."

Sciatica is a type of pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg.

For most of the past year, James has been the subject of retirement rumors as he begins a record-breaking 23rd season in the league. For most of the past year, James has been the subject of retirement rumors as he begins a record-breaking 23rd season in the league.

James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games the previous season. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games the previous season.

The four-time NBA champion was uncertain about his future after the Lakers' first-round NBA playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this year.The four-time NBA champion was uncertain about his future after the Lakers' first-round NBA playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this year.

James said, "I don't know the answer to that," in response to reporters. "I'll just sort of talk it out and see what happens with my wife, family, and support group. Additionally, I'll discuss with myself how long I want to play." I'll just sort of talk it out and see what happens with my wife, family, and support group. Additionally, I'll discuss with myself how long I want to play. We'll see. To be honest, I don't know the answer yet. We'll see. To be honest, I don't know the answer yet.

James reportedly exercised his $52.6 million option to rejoin the Lakers for an eighth season in June.

James has scored an all-time high of 42,184 points during the regular season and 50,473 points during the playoffs. He is a 21-time All-Star and a four-time league MVP.

After being chosen first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft, James entered the NBA at the age of 18. In December, he turns 41.