LOS ANGELES — LeBron James’ injury has sent a ripple through the Lakers organization at the worst possible time. The team’s preseason optimism has now given way to uncertainty. James’ ongoing battle with sciatica, first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, has sidelined him since late July. The 40-year-old star has yet to resume on-court activities and might not return until Thanksgiving. For a Lakers roster built around his leadership and consistency, others must now step up.
LeBron James’ Injury Gets Worse, Three Players Poised To Step Up
The Extent of LeBron’s Sciatica Problem
Shams reported on the extent of LeBron’s injury and how long he’s expected to be our for. “Over the past month, it’s gotten worse where LeBron has been unable to do any on-court basketball activities.” Evan Sidery of Forbes added that “LeBron might not be back until closer to Thanksgiving as he fully recovers.”
Reporting for NBA Today on LeBron James' nerve injury set to sideline him into the Lakers 2025-26 season: pic.twitter.com/dMheCIe0EN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 10, 2025
Shams reported “Lakers star LeBron James is sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to sciatica on his right side. He is out for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.” The news of LeBron missing the start of the season broke on October 9th, and it has since sparked debate among analysts. Nick Wright downplayed it early, calling it “not a huge deal.” Now, it’s clearly a major concern.
This development follows a turbulent offseason. From cryptic social media posts to speculation about his future, James has stayed in headlines. But now, the conversation has shifted from legacy talk to recovery timelines. His absence will test the Lakers’ depth and resolve early in the season.
Caution and Context
“My understanding is this injury for LeBron, this nerve issue, first developed, first occurred in late July, early August during an on-court workout,” Charania explained. “So it’s now two and a half months and counting that he’s had to deal with it and manage it.”
Joined NBA Today to discuss LeBron James’ sciatica diagnosis and what it could mean in the near and distant future for him and the Lakers pic.twitter.com/7zNGhkIDIQ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 10, 2025
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James’ camp told the Lakers to be “overly cautious” with his recovery. James, who turns 41 in December, appeared in 70 games last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. He still made All-NBA Second Team and finished sixth in MVP voting. That production leaves a massive void. Since James joined the Lakers in 2018-19, Los Angeles is 248-171 (a .591 winning percentage) with him on the court. When he does not play, the Lakers are 56-78 (.418).
The question now: who will step up? LeBron James’ injury will define the early days of the Lakers’ season.
Luka Dončić’s Burden Grows
Luka Dončić already faced high expectations after a full offseason in Los Angeles. His EuroBasket performance raised excitement, but with LeBron’s injury even more will be asked of him.
After a blockbuster trade in February, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Those numbers dip slightly from his Dallas days, when he averaged over 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists across 136 games. He is one of the league’s premier stars. With James sidelined, Luka becomes an even stronger favorite for the MVP award.
Rui Hachimura’s Contract-Year Opportunity
Rui Hachimura enters his contract year with a new incentive. The 26-year-old forward is earning $18.26 million this season and is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $114.5 million. With the Lakers’ cap flexibility in mind, this stretch will help determine his long-term role.
Rui averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds last season on 50.9/41.3/77.0 shooting splits. He has previously stepped up during James’ absences over the last two seasons, averaging 18.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 15 games without him. Now, the Lakers will need similar production. Stepping up during LeBron James’ injury could cement his value either as a cornerstone or a premium trade chip.
Austin Reaves Must Evolve
Austin Reaves rounds out the trio of players under the spotlight. While Jake LaRavia makes sense as a candidate, Reaves’ proven consistency makes him the likeliest to take on more responsibility. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 73 games last season. Those numbers jumped to 27.9 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in nine games without LeBron.
This season offers a glimpse into whether a Dončić–Reaves backcourt can work long term. The Lakers’ front office will evaluate if Reaves is worth the “$30 million starting salary” projected for his next deal. His growth will shape the team’s direction post-LeBron.
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
