Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 preseason due to nerve irritation in his glute, sources report.
The Lakers have already played a couple of preseason games without their star players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, suffering losses in both contests. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, James is “expected” to sit out all remaining preseason action.
Despite the setback, James is anticipated to be ready for the season opener at home against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
Entering his 23rd NBA season, James will turn 41 in December. Last season, he appeared in 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He was also selected to his 21st NBA All-Star Game and led the Lakers to the third seed in the Western Conference.
The Lakers will rely on their supporting cast during preseason as they aim to build cohesion ahead of the regular season, with James expected to return in full health for the opener.