The start of the 2025-2026 NBA season was missing its biggest star (LeBron James). LeBron James, the game’s all-time leading scorer, was not on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers. This was a surprise. It was the first time in his long 23-year career that he missed the start of a season.
This LeBron absence NBA was caused by an injury. He was dealing with a painful nerve issue called sciatica. This forced the team to play their first 14 games without their main leader.
For fans, this absence was hard to watch. But for the Lakers team, it was a huge test. The team faced a big question: Could they win without the King? The answer was a surprising yes. This time away taught everyone important lessons about the team’s depth, leadership, and future.
The Reason for the Absence: Sciatica LeBron James
The first thing to understand is the reason for the LeBron absence NBA: sciatica.
Sciatica is a serious type of nerve pain. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hip, and down the back of the leg. When this nerve gets irritated or squeezed, it causes sharp, shooting pain. This pain makes running, jumping, and fast movements very hard. LeBron James
For a 40-year-old athlete like LeBron, this injury requires great care. The Lakers organization decided on a load management strategy.
- No Rushing: The team doctors and LeBron agreed not to rush back. His long-term health is more important than a few early-season games.
- Special Practice: He spent weeks doing special exercises. He even practiced with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, to slowly get back into basketball shape.
This cautious approach meant he missed the first 14 games. He finally made his historic return on November 18, 2025, becoming the first player to start a 23rd season record. But the time he was gone was crucial.
The Team Is Better Than We Thought LeBron James
The biggest surprise during the LeBron absence NBA was the team’s success. The Lakers went 10-4 without him. This is a very Lakers strong start and showed the team had great depth.
In the past, when LeBron missed games, the team struggled to win. Not this year.
- Luka Dončić Leadership: Superstar Luka Dončić, who came to the Lakers earlier, stepped up as the main leader and playmaker. He had many great games. He took control of the offense.
- Anthony Davis’s Dominance: Anthony Davis was consistently strong. He focused on scoring inside and protecting the basket. He played like the true star the team needs him to be.
The Lakers strong start showed that the team was not completely dependent on LeBron to win. This is a big change from past seasons.
The Rise of Austin Reaves LeBron James
A key player who benefited from the LeBron absence NBA was Austin Reaves. He took on a much bigger role in the offense.
- Increased Playmaking: With LeBron out, Reaves was given the ball more often. He became one of the main players who decided where the ball went. He showed he can create plays for himself and his teammates.
- Confidence Boost: His scoring and assists went up. This extra responsibility was a huge confidence boost. Even when LeBron came back, Reaves was a better, more complete player because of the time he spent as a main focus.
This rise of Austin Reaves step up provided the Lakers with an extra, reliable scorer. It also answered a big question about the team’s future. They now know they have other players who can take over when needed.
The Importance of a Veteran Presence
Even though the team won without him, the Lakers missed LeBron’s veteran presence.
- Court Control: LeBron is known for controlling the pace of the game. He knows when to speed up and when to slow down. The team had some trouble in the third quarter of games. This is often when a strong veteran voice is needed. LeBron James
- Game Plan: Coach JJ Redick stressed that the young players needed to “star in their roles.” LeBron is the ultimate teammate for teaching people their roles. His leadership in the locker room, even while injured, was vital for team chemistry. LeBron James
The LeBron absence NBA taught the young players how to survive. His return teaches them how to thrive. He makes every player on the court better. LeBron James
23rd Season Record
The LeBron absence NBA for the first 14 games of his 23rd season record was a defining moment for the Lakers. The time off, due to the painful sciatica injury, was part of a planned load management strategy for the 40-year-old star.
The biggest lesson is that the Lakers showed great strength. The Lakers strong start was fueled by Luka Dončić leadership and the impressive Austin Reaves step up. They proved they can win without their biggest star.
Now that LeBron is back on the court, the Lakers are better than ever. They have a strong record, better team chemistry, and a healthy superstar ready to lead them to the playoffs. LeBron James
Read More Articles Click Here. Read Previous Article Click Here.
