Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James, 40, has missed the team’s first eight games of the season. The four-time NBA champion has been sidelined since mid-October due to sciatica, which continues to limit his ability to play.
According to the latest injury report, James will sit out for the ninth straight game when the Lakers face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Sciatica often leads to pain, tingling, and numbness in the back, hips, and legs. Attempting to play through such an injury risks worsening his condition, something both James and the team want to prevent.
“Pushing through the injury could result in a more significant setback that could spell doom for James and the Lakers.”
In James’ absence, the Lakers have relied on their other stars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both have carried the team impressively, either playing side by side or taking the lead independently.
With James targeting a possible return in mid-November, the Lakers remain optimistic about sustaining competitiveness and making a deep run during the 2025–26 season.
LeBron James continues to recover from sciatica and will miss another Lakers game, but star performances from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves keep Los Angeles in contention.