Overview
- The team announced right‑side sciatica on Thursday and set a 3–4 week reevaluation window that rules him out of Oct. 21 vs. the Warriors.
- It will be the first Opening Night he has missed after playing in 22 consecutive season openers.
- James has skipped full practices and preseason to date, with J.J. Redick citing earlier nerve irritation in his glute and saying he is on his own timeline.
- Based on the window, he is likely to miss roughly five to nine games before any gradual ramp‑up toward game action.
- Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and recent additions such as Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton are expected to shoulder more early‑season responsibility.