The Los Angeles Lakers started off their 2025-2026 season without LeBron James in the lineup, but signs of his return are now emerging as he recovers from a sciatica injury. 

The star forward missed the opener and has yet to take part in full team practices, but the team and medical staff are increasingly optimistic about him returning in the second or third week of November.

James was diagnosed with sciatica – nerve irritation or compression affecting his lower back and right leg – and has been dealing with symptoms since late July or early August, which disrupted his offseason training.

On October 9, the Lakers officially announced that James would miss at least the first part of the season and would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. 

Head coach JJ Redick stated that although there’s no fixed date for James’ return, the team was “somewhere around” mid-November for him to rejoin the roster.

At age 40 and entering his record-setting 23rd NBA season, James’ body is being managed with extra caution – especially given the nature of sciatica and nerve-related injuries.

Without James, the Lakers have had to start the year adjusting rotations and relying on their other stars to carry the load. His return will not only boost their scoring and leadership, but could define how the team performs heading into the playoff push.

The scenario also raises questions about how the Lakers will manage his minutes and role once he returns, to maximize his impact while guarding against a resurgence of the nerve issue.

LeBron James is on his way back, as he is ramping up to play this season.  Though the start of the season was delayed by sciatica, the latest reports suggest a return is likely in mid-November, turning a watchful eye toward how he integrates back into the Lakers’ lineup and how the team adjusts in his absence.