LeBron James to Miss Lakers' Upcoming Road Trip
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will sit out the team's upcoming five-game road trip starting Saturday due to sciatica on his right side, reports ESPN's Shams Charania.
Rehabilitation Progress and Timeline
According to Charania, the next stage in James' rehab involves 5-on-5 live play, which could occur either against G League players or after the Lakers return from their road trip in November. The Lakers currently expect James to return around mid-November.
Background on Injury
The team disclosed in September that James had nerve irritation in his glute, sidelining him through the preseason. They later confirmed he would miss the season opener against the Golden State Warriors due to this sciatica issue.
"James was targeting a mid-November return." — ESPN's Shams Charania
Season Start and Performance Despite Absence
Without James, the Lakers have started the season strong with a 6-2 record. At 41 years old, James is the oldest player in the league but has maintained remarkable durability in recent seasons, playing 71 games two years ago and 70 games in the 2024-25 season.
- 2024-25 season averages: 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game
Outlook
Minor injuries are expected given James' age, but the Lakers benefit from having Luka Dončić as a star player, reducing their dependence on James during his recovery.
Author's summary: LeBron James will miss several games due to sciatica but aims to return mid-November, while the Lakers remain competitive behind Luka Dončić's leadership.