What Happened to LeBron James? Lakers Superstar Suffers Yet Another Injury, Misses 15th Game of the Season
Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James is set to miss his 15th game of the 2025-26 NBA campaign during Sunday’s home matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Fortunately for LA, the four-time MVP’s latest absence is unrelated to his prolonged bout with sciatica, a nerve issue that affected his lower back and right side and sidelined him for the season’s first 14 games.
The NBA Player Guessing Game allows you to guess the NBA player based on clues about their team, division, height, jersey number, points, and experience.
LeBron James Ruled Out With Foot Injury
Since making his season debut on Nov. 18, James has appeared in four straight contests, serving as a complementary scorer and facilitator alongside co-stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. LA has thrived with the 21-time All-Star in the lineup, going 4-0 to climb to second in the Western Conference (14-4).
However, it appears the team will be cautious with James, as he was ruled out on Sunday due to left foot injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. The soon-to-be 41-year-old also missed time because of a left foot ailment last season, raising concern.
That said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James’ agent, Rich Paul, “told ESPN last week that it was his preference for James not to play in back-to-backs to preserve his body as he plays in a record-setting 23rd season.”
Thus, James’ latest stint on the sidelines could be short-lived, with his status for Monday’s home matchup against the more competitive Phoenix Suns (12-9) still up in the air. New Orleans (3-17) sits in last place in the West, marking a prime opportunity for James to get additional rest.
Lakers coach JJ Redick is hopeful James will be able to participate in back-to-backs as the season progresses, though.
“We’re going to build him up,” Redick said before Sunday’s game.
JJ Redick does not rule out LeBron James playing in back-to-backs as the season progresses. “We’re going to build him up,” Redick said before the Pelicans game. Redick said the coaching staff and LeBron both have interest in him playing in b2bs moving forward.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 1, 2025
The Lakers have gone a respectable 10-4 with James inactive this season, positioning them as clear favorites over the Pelicans, even while undermanned.
Joining James on the sidelines is veteran guard Marcus Smart, who will miss his second consecutive game due to back spasms. With James on the shelf, backup forward Jake LaRavia should be in store for an increased workload, with Maxi Kleber also a candidate for more playing time. Meanwhile, reserves Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt could get back into the rotation.
Through four appearances, James is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 1.5 3-pointers per game, shooting 49.1%. He ranks third on LA in scoring, behind Dončić (35.1 ppg) and Reaves (28.5 ppg).
