LeBron James is not planning to retire, but a nerve condition in his glute has cast uncertainty over the 40-year-old’s availability for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2025/26 NBA season opener.
The injury niggle is raising concerns about the team’s early campaign and his readiness for a record-setting 23rd season as the forward is expected to miss the entire preseason after developing what team officials have described as a nerve irritation in his gluteal region.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the issue has sidelined the 40-year-old star through training camp, as medical staff monitor his condition and recovery timeline but the Lakers are cautiously optimistic that James will recover in time for the important opener.
J.J. Redick, entering his second season leading the Lakers as head coach, told reporters that the organization plans to take a conservative approach with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“I think it’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up,” Redick said. “Leading into opening night for him.
“Obviously, in Year 23, uncharted territory here… he’s got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body.”
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Redick emphasized that the team learned from last year’s preparation, saying James “did too much” during the 2024 training camp. “We want to play the long game with his ramp-up this time,”
Redick added, noting that the medical and performance staff have coordinated a slower progression plan to avoid setbacks.
James played in 70 games last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per contest while maintaining nearly 35 minutes per game as he proved he’s still one of the best in the league.
He followed that up with an average of 25.4 points in five playoff games, though the Lakers exited early after a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite also boasting the talents of Luka Doncic.
With the four-time NBA champion entering the final year of his contract, his availability will be key to any future deals while Luka recently signed an extension positioning him as the Lakers’ long-term cornerstone.
Who do the Los Angeles Lakers play in their opening game of the 2025/26 NBA season?
The Los Angeles Lakers open their 2025/26 NBA season on October 21 at home against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Arena from 22:00 ET/19:00 PT, marking another chapter in one of the league’s most enduring rivalries.
The matchup will also feature the long-anticipated debut of new head coach J.J. Redick, who has spent the preseason reworking the team’s offensive system around LeBron and Doncic.
If James is cleared to play, the game will mark his 23rd consecutive NBA season, extending his record for most seasons played. The Lakers are prioritizing his recovery to ensure he can take the floor alongside Doncic in front of the home crowd.
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