LeBron James Dealing With Injury, Lakers Hope He’s Ready for Opening Night

Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers power forward LeBron James ended the 2024-25 season playoffs with more of a whimper than a bang, struggling through a Grade 2 MCL sprain during L.A.'s ill-fated five-game first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Now, the 40-year-old could be kicking off his record-extending 23rd pro season with some underwhelming health news, too.

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Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that James sat out a training camp team practice on Tuesday with nerve irritation in his glute. The league's oldest player isn't alone among the walking wounded, even at the very beginning of the Lakers' 2025-26 season.

JJ Redick says LeBron James is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute and was held out of practice Tuesday. Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart and Adou Thiero were also out with injuries. pic.twitter.com/yNluN0ow3S

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 30, 2025

Redick indicated that two oft-injured guards, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent, are both already hurt and sat out practice on Tuesday. Rookie forward Adou Thiero also missed the action.

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Health has quietly become an area of major concern for James recently. Given that he's going to be the oldest active player in the league for the third straight season (a status he will likely only relinquish when he hangs up his Nikes for good) in 2025-26, that's somewhat understandable.

He has frequently looked gassed by the time he reaches the playoffs, even if he does manage to stay relatively healthy during the regular season. Players are often incentivized to play through pain, as they're only eligible for All-NBA honors if they suit up for at least 65 games. James played 70, was named to the All-NBA Second Team, and promptly got hurt at the beginning of the playoffs.

Los Angeles is no doubt hopeful that James, Smart and Vincent are all healthy in time for the Lakers' regular season debut, an October 21 home bout against the new-look Golden State Warriors.

An Uncertain Future for LeBron James in Los Angeles

The Lakers' blockbuster midseason trade for Luka Doncic has totally changed its priorities. L.A. is now in the Doncic business, as the five-time All-NBA guard is 14 years James' junior. James remains a potent scorer, but his health and priciness could limit the Lakers' interest.

James is on an expiring $52.6 million contract, after failing to come to terms with the Lakers on a new deal over the summer. James and his representation clearly wanted an agreement to remain in L.A., as his agent Rich Paul took a dig at the Lakers organization in remarks made to Shams Charania of ESPN after negotiations fell apart.

Last year, James averaged 24.4 points on .513/.376/.782 shooting splits, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks in 70 games. Not too shabby for an old guy.

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