EXPLAINERSport|BasketballWhy is Lebron James not playing in the NBA and what is sciatica?NBA’s leading all-time scorer is missing the start of the new season due to sciatica. When will the Lakers star return to the court?
LeBron James, a prominent figure in professional basketball, has missed the commencement of the NBA season for the first time in his 23-year career due to a medical condition known as sciatica.
LeBron James, a prominent figure in professional basketball, has missed the commencement of the NBA season for the first time in his 23-year career due to a medical condition known as sciatica.
On Mon, Oct 9, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James was dealing with a sciatica-related issue on his right side. The team indicated that he would be absent for the initial weeks of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, with a re-evaluation scheduled in three to four weeks.
Sciatica arises from the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest and thickest nerve in the human body. This nerve originates in the lower back, extends through the buttocks, and travels down the back of each leg, terminating in the foot. The condition is often linked to issues in the lower back, such as herniated or prolapsed disks.
On Mon, Oct 9, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James was dealing with a sciatica-related issue on his right side.
Additionally, James may be experiencing piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle in the buttock compresses or irritates the nearby sciatic nerve, resulting in pain radiating down the leg. While not identical to sciatica, piriformis syndrome can cause similar symptoms and is more prevalent among athletes.
LeBron James is expected to be re-evaluated by medical staff in early November. This timeline suggests he will miss a minimum of six to ten NBA games. However, the duration may extend if further medical intervention is required. Even if the condition improves by November, James will need additional time to resume training before returning to competitive play, potentially delaying his return until December or beyond.
The prognosis for LeBron James varies. While he might recover without recurrence, there is a possibility of ongoing or recurrent sciatica, potentially necessitating surgical intervention if nerve compression becomes severe. Such outcomes could significantly impact his career, with historical precedents showing mixed recovery results for athletes undergoing similar surgeries.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.