The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2025-26 season without their leader on the floor. LeBron James has been sidelined for five straight games now, reportedly battling sciatica in his lower back. Questions keep piling up about when he'll finally suit up.

The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2024-25 season with a 6-6 record, averaging 109.3 points per game without LeBron James. Even 43 points from Luka Dončić couldn’t lift them past the Golden State Warriors,

The Lakers are set to open the regular season on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors, but LeBron James has been ruled out for the game.

LeBron James wore Bryce's Arizona Wildcats jersey with matching Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers during the Los Angeles Lakers game.

To make matters worse, the Lakers will be without LeBron James again, forcing Austin Reaves to orchestrate an offensive masterclass to improve the franchise's odds of prevailing. James is still dealing with sciatica on his right side, but the injury is far from season-ending.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Sydney Sweeney and LeBron James were just a few of the stars out at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.