LeBron James to Miss Lakers' Upcoming Road Trip
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not join the team's five-game road trip starting Saturday as he recovers from sciatica affecting his right side, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Rehabilitation Progress
Charania noted that James' next rehab phase involves participating in 5-on-5 live play, potentially against G League players or upon the Lakers' return from the road trip in November. The team expects James to return around mid-November.
Injury Background
The Lakers disclosed in September that James was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute area, which sidelined him during the preseason. He also missed the season opener against the Golden State Warriors due to the sciatica.
Season and Career Context
Despite the injury, the Lakers have started the season 6-2 in James' absence. At 41, the oldest player in the league, James remains durable, having played 71 games two seasons ago and 70 games in the 2024-25 season with averages of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game.
"The next step for James in his rehab is 5-on-5 live play... Lakers personnel are still operating under the belief that James' debut will come around mid-November." — Shams Charania, ESPN
Team Dynamics
While James manages minor injuries more frequently due to age, the Lakers rely less heavily on him this season thanks to their star Luka Dončić.
Summary: LeBron James is sidelined by sciatica and will miss the Lakers' current road trip, with an expected mid-November return, as the team adapts with strong performance led by Luka Dončić.