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LeBron James out vs. Pelicans in opener of Lakers’ back-to-back

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  • mcmenamin dave

    dave mcmenaminNovember 30, 2025, 11:41 am ET

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    • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
    • Covered the Lakers and the NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009–14, the Cavaliers from 2014–18 for ESPN.com, and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005–09.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans with a left foot injury.

James, 40, missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica – a nerve problem affecting his lower back and right side of his body. The four-time NBA MVP also missed games last season due to a left foot injury.

Sunday is the first leg of a back-to-back for the Lakers, followed by a home game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, a longtime friend and agent of James, told ESPN last week that it was his priority for James not to play back-to-backs to keep his body safe as he plays in a record-setting 23rd season.

James is averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds in four games this season since returning from a sciatica injury. The Lakers have gone 4-0 with his lineup.

The Lakers also will be without guard Marcus Smart for the second consecutive game because of back spasms.



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