LeBron James’ injury troubles have impacted the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason. He was sidelined due to nerve irritation in his glute. It resulted in him missing the first two preseason games against the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The latest report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike suggested that the 40-year-old “will be reevaluated in approximately 3-4 weeks for sciatica on his right side.” What does that mean? Preseason’s gone, and the initial few regular-season games as well. The slightly frustrating part, though, isn’t him being injured but the excess appearances he’s been making all around town.

Fans have been desperately curious to know when King James will return to the court. And JJ Redick’s answer from the most recent presser hasn’t helped calm anybody’s nerves. “He is on his own timeline,” the Lakers head coach said. What does that mean? It certainly underscores that even Redick is unaware of his ace star’s return, and whether he will play in the regular season opener against the Warriors on October 21, remains a mystery.

LeBron James has been seen doing everything except hooping; he appeared on famous Twitch streamer Kai Cenat’s podcast. Then went on to tease his ‘Decision’ for the second time, which many people thought would be about his potential retirement. His current injury further reinforced that belief. However, it was all a domino effect that followed.

According to SeatGeek, ticket prices for the Lakers’ final regular-season home game soared to nearly $900 per seat! The emotional investment quickly turned into frustration, as the ticket prices reportedly dropped after the reveal. As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity,” but I’m not sure if more than 10% of the fanbase shares that sentiment.

The reveal turned out to be a ‘Hennessy’ partnership, not a career decision… “I feel like it’s going to give me the best opportunity to win more at hosting. Not only that. Win in signature cocktails, win in having a good time, win at having a good time, win at impressing guests, win at making memories,” LeBron James said in the ad. Fans felt utterly disappointed and wasted no time in letting the star know on social media.

Redick was in disbelief over how people overthought this entire chain of events. “You guys are i—–,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “We all knew it was an ad, right? I’m sure I got some texts. I think most people that text me are also aware that it was probably an ad. Nobody was freaking out,” he said. The head coach was aware of a business announcement, but he has yet to confirm anything regarding LeBron’s return to the court… So, here’s the new reality.

With LeBron James fading out, the responsibility of leading the Lakers now lies with Luka Doncic

LeBron James will turn 41 in December. Being the most senior, he has been no stranger to injuries. The last few seasons have been a stark reminder. He missed the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career because of lingering foot and ankle issues in 2025. This cut a streak that had lasted two decades. While parts of the previous season saw him re-showcase some of his magic with efficient numbers, it is still clear that the league icon is facing the wear and tear of age. In fact, the veteran’s usage rate has dropped over the last two seasons (29.1% and 30.1%, respectively) compared to 33.3% from 2022-23.

That’s the key reason Luka Doncic was brought in, and he’s taken his fair share of time to settle in the Purple and Gold’s locker room. While he has sat out during the preseason, following a long EuroBasket campaign, the Lakers’ anticipated primary engine admitted that he’s been working on his leadership role.

In fact, he has made serious efforts to bring the roster together, taking them out for a surprise visit to the Porsche Driving Experience in Southern California, at his own expense. The Slovenian is expected to take on the bulk of the scoring. His success in carrying the LA side’s offense efficiently will largely determine the Lakers’ early-season trajectory.