LeBron James Out for Lakers Season Opener Against Warriors

UPDATE: LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players, will NOT play in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors tonight at 7:30 PM PT in Los Angeles. The NBA superstar is sidelined due to ongoing issues with sciatica, which causes debilitating nerve pain in his lower back and legs.

James will be re-evaluated in early November, meaning he is set to miss between five to nine games of the Lakers’ regular season. This news comes as the Lakers prepare to kick off their campaign without their leading scorer, who has amassed an impressive 42,184 points throughout his career.

“We knew that he was dealing with the nerve irritation,” Lakers coach JJ Redick stated earlier this preseason. “You hope that he’s back soon. Those things can be tricky.” Redick emphasized that the team was aware of James’ condition before training camp, indicating a proactive approach to managing his health.

The matchup against the Warriors is particularly significant, as James has a storied history with the team. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he faced Golden State in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019, with a memorable victory in 2016. Last season, he played a pivotal role in eliminating the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs as a member of the Lakers.

Despite nearing his 41st birthday, James was named to the 2024-25 All-NBA second team after averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Lakers’ lineup as they aim to make a strong start this season.

However, the Lakers are not without talent. Luka Doncic is expected to lead the offense, supported by teammates Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, who are set to challenge the Warriors’ defense. Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented on Doncic, saying, “He looks like he’s in good shape… an unstoppable force.”

As fans await the game’s tip-off, all eyes will be on how the Lakers adapt without their star player. With James’ condition being closely monitored, the urgency for his return grows, especially with the pressure of the upcoming games.

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Lakers take on the Warriors tonight, and follow for the latest developments regarding LeBron James and his recovery.