With the Los Angeles Lakers scheduled to face the Golden State Warriors tonight, one glaring absence has become the story before tipoff: LeBron James will not suit up.
Instead of fueling rumors or drama, the news comes amid a pattern of cautious load management. As the Lakers gear up for the 2025-26 season, James’s body is becoming as much a strategic factor as his playmaking.
According to recent reports, LeBron is being held out of the Warriors game due to “nerve irritation in his glute,” a condition that has already affected his availability during preseason.
He also skipped the first day of training camp for the same issue. The Lakers’ medical and coaching staff have opted to limit his participation in early exhibition games, signaling a more protective approach to his health.
JJ Redick sees the big picture with LeBron
Coach JJ Redick framed the decision in the context of LeBron’s lengthy career: “For him (LeBron James), it’s different in year 23. Normal return to play protocol, we try to get 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3 exposures … and then that eventually gets to 3-on-3 live.
“He knows his body and so we’ll work with him on making sure he gets to the a point of comfort where he can sort of be a full participant.”
At 40, every soreness, tightness, or twinge in LeBron’s body commands greater attention than it did in his younger years. The Lakers appear determined to avoid a scenario where a minor irritation morphs into a more significant injury, especially during the fragile window of his later career.
This is not merely a one-game decision; it’s part of a larger strategy. The buzz in NBA circles is that LeBron might skip most or even all of the preseason to preserve his body.
Reports suggest there’s a “strong chance he sits out all six tune-up contests.” Watching and training separately now lets him ramp up when it matters – once the regular season begins and real games are at stake.
Lakers take special care
In essence, the Lakers are treating LeBron less like a fixed asset and more like a fragile investment. When he’s on the floor, he still dominates offensively and exerts influence.
But when he’s off it, managing him wisely can add value in the long run – especially given the compressed margin for error at his age.
At the same time, this approach opens another narrative: is LeBron slowly yielding his spotlight to younger teammates? With Luka Doncic and others ascending in roles, some see the absence as part of a larger transition.
But considering how LeBron has adapted his game over two decades, this might just be another evolution in how he sustains elite performance.
Ultimately, tonight’s absence should not be read as decline – but as prudence. In a push toward another deep playoff run, the Lakers and LeBron know that longevity may now depend less on minutes played and more on minutes preserved.
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