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 in San Francisco, California, on Oct. 5, 2025.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without LeBron James for the season opener, putting a hold on what the Lakers’ primary starting lineup will look like.

The team announced on Thursday afternoon that James would be out due to sciatica.

While it’s not known when the injury was caused, his status will be something to watch throughout the opening weeks of the season. James has already missed the first two games of the preseason.

Here’s what you need to know about the injury.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain caused by some level of irritation, pinching, or compression of the sciatic nerve, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The sciatic nerve is located in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg. It begins from the lower part of the spinal cord and extends through the buttocks, back of the thigh and down to the foot.

As a result, the area of pain can range anywhere along the back of the leg.

When will LeBron James return to Lakers?

James is dealing with sciatica on his right side. James is expected to be reevaluated in three to four weeks.

When is the Lakers’ season opener?

The Lakers will begin the regular season at home against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC. It will also be available to stream on Peacock.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Sciatica? LeBron James will miss Lakers' season opener due to ailment

Reporting by James H. Williams, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect