Why Stephen A. Smith isn’t ‘concerned’ that LeBron James will miss LA Lakers game due to injury

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to sciatica.

Shams Charania reported earlier this week that James would be sidelined for three to four weeks.

This is the first time in his entire NBA career that he will not be able to complete the preseason, raising concerns among fans and experts.

But manager Stephen A. Smith isn’t worried yet about James’ slow start to the regular season for one important reason.

Stephen A. Smith pointed out that LeBron James has taken care of his body like any other athlete throughout his NBA career.

But Smith isn’t fazed by LeBron’s injury because the regular season doesn’t matter to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The most important thing for JJ Redick’s team is that it is well-prepared to advance beyond the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

“I’m not that worried,” Smith said. “I know this is the first time he’s missed the opening game. I know it’s the first time he’s missed the entire preseason and I get that. And when we talk about the sciatic nerve to educate the audience, of course we talk about the nerve that causes pain in the lower back, hip and leg.

“So, that’s something to take seriously. But he’s definitely the most conditioned athlete, basketball player, at least we’ve ever seen. LeBron James is that kind of player in terms of physical conditioning, but I’m not too concerned about that for another reason.”

“I don’t care about LeBron James in the regular season. I’m talking about the postseason. The Los Angeles Lakers have been out of the first round or missed the playoffs in four of the last five years. They made it to the conference finals a few years ago when Darvin Ham was the coach. That’s it. That’s it.”

“I don’t want to go back to Oklahoma City. I love Shai Gilguez-Alexander and the staff, but I don’t want to travel to Oklahoma City with you. I’d rather be in Los Angeles. That means the Los Angeles Lakers have to win, and they won’t do it without LeBron James.”

“So if he misses November, I’m not going to advertise. I don’t care if he misses most of the games before Christmas. I mean, just play enough games for the postseason and get ready, so we don’t get eliminated in the first round like Minnesota did, courtesy of Ant-Man.”

“I love Ant-Man, but he’s in the top two players I want to watch along with Stephen Curry. I don’t even want to travel to Minnesota. I want to be in L.A. and for that, we need LeBron James. So even if he has to go out early so he can go late, that’s my preference. I’m not worried about October and November. Who cares? We have football.”

LeBron James will definitely miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ remaining three preseason games against the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks.

He will also miss the Lakers’ first six regular season games, including two games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James will now be out for just three weeks, so there’s no guarantee he won’t miss more games.

Luka Doncic will have more responsibility offensively, potentially increasing his chances of winning Most Valuable Player.