LeBron James will have to wait to make his record-setting 23rd season.

According to CBS Sports, the four-time champion will reportedly be sidelined for three to four weeks due to sciatica on his right side. This will be the first time in James’ legendary career that he will miss a season opener in his 23-year career. 

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that James was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute and would most likely miss the entire NBA preseason. 

Last season, James had another banner year. In his 22nd season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last year. During the offseason, James opted into his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Lakers this offseason, causing speculation that he may retire or look to join another team next year.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Rich Paul said in a statement after James opted into the player option. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

During NBA Media Day James said he’s not thinking about retirement. 

“I’m excited about today,” James said during the Lakers’ media day at their training complex. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season. However, the journey lays out this year. I’m super-invested, because I don’t know when the end is. I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”

He also noted that he won’t wait for his son, Bryce, to enter the league.

"I'm not waiting on Bryce," James said. "...He has his own timeline, I got my timeline, and I don't know if they quite match up." 

"It'll be a decision between me and my wife, and my daughter," said James, adding that his two sons no longer live in his house. "It won't be a meeting with my teammates."

The  Lakers kick off the 2025-26 NBA season against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21,