LeBron James’ 23rd NBA season has hit an early snag. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward has been diagnosed with sciatica, a nerve issue causing pain and weakness in his lower back and leg.

The condition, sustained during an on-court session in late July, forced him to miss training camp and the entire preseason. According to head coach JJ Redick, James’ recovery is being handled with “caution,” as nerve-related injuries are notoriously unpredictable.

The Lakers officially ruled him out for the season opener on October 21 and plan to re-evaluate him around October 30. Still, most insiders agree the earliest realistic return would come weeks after that initial check-in.

The Expected Return Window

ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the full extent of the injury, revealed that both LeBron and the Lakers are “targeting mid-November” as the realistic date for his comeback.

That timeline aligns with the team’s expectation of a three-to-four-week absence, though several league executives told Yahoo Sports that a December debut can’t be ruled out if his symptoms linger.

Charania explained that LeBron is taking a “patient approach” to the rehab phase, focusing on basketball-specific conditioning rather than rushing back. The 21-time All-Star will likely undergo a gradual ramp-up process involving light court work in early November before rejoining full-contact practices.

 If targeted progress holds, mid-November (between November 15 and November 20) is the window fans should circle.

What It Means for the Lakers

James’s absence changes the early dynamics for the Luka Dončić-led Lakers. Without LeBron, Dončić will carry a heavier playmaking load, supported by Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt. The team remains confident, prioritizing long-term health over short-term results.

LeBron, meanwhile, remains engaged in film sessions and locker room prep, emphasizing he’ll “only return at full strength.” For a player entering his 23rd season, caution is wisdom, not weakness.

If all goes to plan, the King’s return in mid-November should coincide with a marquee game at home, setting up a fitting resurgence for one of basketball’s timeless icons.