LeBron James is set to miss the first month of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been diagnosed with sciatica, leading to his stint on the sideline. His team has impressed despite his absence;

Charles Barkley thinks LeBron James' age has more to do with him missing games than the injury listed by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Charles Barkley on LeBron James injury “He's just old… His back hurt. All old people’s back hurt, Dan. All old people’s back hurt. You can you can dress it up like a sciatica. You can come up with all these medical terms. LeBron is old.” (Via @dpshow) pic.twitter.com/GNfm0GQXGO

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has not played in a game this season while dealing with a right sciatica injury.

James, who is entering his 23rd season in the league, hasn't played this season. The Lakers originally announced on Oct. 9 that James would be out at least 3-4 weeks because of the nerve irritation in his glute that caused him to miss the entire NBA preseason.

Details of LeBron James’ injury status were sold by his pal and former Los Angeles Lakers coach Damon Jones as part of a massive prop betting scheme, according to court docs and law

The 2025-26 NBA season has brought a lot of ‘firsts’ for LeBron James. For the first time in 23 seasons, the King has missed the opening night. As you know, James is recovering from right sciatica.