LeBron James to Miss Lakers' Road Trip
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not join the team on its upcoming five-game road journey starting Saturday as he continues recovering from sciatica on his right side, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“The next step for James in his rehab is 5-on-5 live play, which could take place either against G League players or when the Lakers return from the road trip in November,” Charania reported.
According to Charania, Lakers staff still believe that James could make his season debut around mid-November. The team revealed back in September that the veteran forward was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute, which kept him out during preseason.
James also missed the season opener against the Golden State Warriors because of the same condition. In mid-October, ESPN reported that the four-time champion was targeting a mid-November comeback.
Lakers Strong Without Their Captain
Despite James’ absence, the Lakers began the season with an impressive 6–2 record. Even at 41 years old, James has stayed remarkably healthy, playing 71 games two seasons ago and 70 games in the 2024–25 campaign. During that span, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per contest.
While minor injuries are becoming more common for the aging superstar, the Lakers’ roster depth and the presence of Luka Dončić have allowed the team to maintain momentum without relying too heavily on James.
Author’s Summary
LeBron James will miss the Lakers’ road trip to continue recovery from sciatica, but his comeback is still expected around mid-November, with the team performing solidly in his absence.