LeBron James is out of the opening game of the 2025/26 season between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, which takes place this Tuesday (21), at 11pm (Brasília time). But why is the star, the California team’s main player, not playing? Sporting News shows.
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Why isn’t LeBron James playing?
LeBron is out of the opening game mainly because of precaution and management of physical load (load management).
The 40-year-old star has been dealing with persistent pain in the left ankle and foota problem that has bothered him in previous seasons. With the start of a long regular season, the coaching staff and the player himself chose not to force the situation in this first game, aiming to preserve it for the championship sequence.
⚠️ ATTENTION:
LeBron James didn’t practice with the Lakers today because of an irritated nerve in his butt.
The information came from coach JJ Redick. pic.twitter.com/dCpkl9DBoH
— NBA da bad (@NBAdabad) September 30, 2025
When will LeBron James turn?
There is no exact date set for LeBron James’ return. Your condition is treated as “day-to-day” (dia a dia). This means he will be re-evaluated daily by the Lakers’ medical team.
The Lakers’ next game is against Phoenix Suns, on Thursday (October 23). LeBron’s participation in this game will depend on how he feels in training and evaluations in the coming days. The tendency is that, being a precautionary absence, he will return as soon as the pain subsides and he feels comfortable to play.
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