LeBron James will miss the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season due to right-sided sciatica. His absence leaves the Lakers with both a leadership gap and an urgent question: who will step up in his stead?

LeBron James’s fans were left puzzled after he teased a “Decision” sequel that turned out to be an advertisement. Now, the superstar is officially sidelined, missing the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming season opener due to sciatica, potentially for up to four weeks.