LeBron James is out because of a sciatic nerve issue in his right hip/glute region, and the Lakers have announced he will miss the start of the season with an expected reevaluation in a few weeks. This explains why he isn’t playing in the opening game and other early fixtures.
Context and what it means
- Injury nature: Sciatica can cause lower back and leg discomfort, sometimes accompanied by nerve irritation or weakness, which helps explain why gameplay participation is limited while recovering.
- Timeline: Reports indicated a three- to four-week window for reevaluation, with the goal of returning once the pain and neurologic symptoms subside enough for safe on-court impact.
- Impact on team: His absence forces other Lakers to absorb more playmaking load, especially on opening-night matchups, and ongoing management is typical for a player of his age with a chronic condition.
If you’d like, I can summarize latest updates from specific outlets or provide a quick timeline of his expected return based on the most recent reports.