When Will LeBron James Return to Lakers? Injury Doctor Weighs In

James has been dealing with an injury that will likely keep him out to start the regular season.

Oct 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers hat, watches from the sideline during a break against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers view themselves as championship contenders this season. After finishing the regular season as the three seed in the West last year, they believe they can be even better.

Of course, those hopes hinge on both Luka Doncic and LeBron James. James is entering his 23rd season, which is an NBA record. For most of his career, he's been remarkably healthy.

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That seems to have ended. He has been hurt in training camp and will reportedly miss time with sciatica down his right side. There is some varied speculation on when he could return.

Prominent Injury Doctor Speculates on Possible Return Timeline for Lakers' LeBron James

James' reported timeline for a reassessment is three-to-four weeks.

While he does not work for a team in any capacity, one prominent physical therapist thinks the timeline could be longer. Again, this is pure speculation, as he has no affiliation with James or the Lakers.

LeBron James is OUT for the Beginning of the NBA 2025-26 season

He will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks for SCIATICA

Likely if all goes well with pain means he will need a ramp up period for 1-2 weeks and likely keeps him OUT at least 4-6 weeks pic.twitter.com/rWmjLcyLQI

— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) October 9, 2025

With any injury, there is usually a ramp-up period where a player gets ready to return to game action by getting into simulated game situations before returning to the court.

James' age (40) certainly doesn't help him when it comes to returning from injuries quickly, even if he does spend a ton of money on his body every single year.

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The Lakers will not rush James back from his injury early. They need him healthy at the end of the season more than they do at the start of the season. The playoffs matter more to them.

It's Unclear When LeBron James Will Actually Return for the Lakers

The Lakers said it will take three-to-four weeks just to re-evaluate him, but it is still unclear what the exact timeline is for James to return to the court. Doncic will be tasked with carrying the team until he comes back.

Los Angeles is hoping that they can survive the first month of the season while James is playing his way back into basketball shape. Doncic has carried teams before.

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.