The Los Angeles Lakers will once again take the court without LeBron James tonight as they face the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The 40-year-old superstar continues to recover from a nagging sciatica injury that has delayed his season debut for the 2025-26 NBA campaign. While LeBron has made encouraging progress and has recently been cleared for contact basketball activities, he has yet to participate in live 5-on-5 gameplay - the final step before a full return.
Despite his absence, the Lakers have maintained strong form early in the season. With a 7-3 record, the team has leaned heavily on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the offensive and playmaking load. Their contributions have kept Los Angeles competitive in a challenging Western Conference, though LeBron’s presence on the floor remains irreplaceable. The Lakers are favored to win tonight’s matchup, but the void left by their leader still looms large.
LeBron James’ Injury Status vs Charlotte Hornets (November 10, 2025)
LeBron James’ will not be playing tonight vs the Hornets. His sciatica issue, which affects the nerve running from the lower back down the leg, has limited him since the preseason. He has primarily been engaged in individual workouts and controlled training sessions but has recently been cleared to resume contact practice. The next milestone for him is full 5-on-5 participation, which could occur either with the Lakers or their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
According to the team’s medical staff, there is optimism for a return around mid-November. The Lakers plan to reassess LeBron’s condition during or shortly after their ongoing road trip, targeting a potential home game against the Utah Jazz on or around November 18. Given that this is LeBron James’ 23rd NBA season, the Lakers are being cautious with his workload - especially with the new player participation rules that could impact his eligibility for end-of-season honors like All-NBA recognition.
Lakers and Hornets Battle Through Injury Challenges
The Lakers enter tonight’s clash dealing with several injury concerns. In addition to LeBron’s absence, Austin Reaves is listed as questionable due to a groin issue, and Gabe Vincent remains out with an ankle injury. Still, the team’s depth has stepped up, with Doncic leading from the front and role players filling key gaps.
The Hornets, meanwhile, are battling their own injury woes. Star guard LaMelo Ball is sidelined with an ankle injury, Brandon Miller is out with a shoulder issue, and Miles Bridges is questionable with back soreness. Both teams will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to stay competitive.
When is LeBron James Expected to Return to Play
As the Lakers continue to navigate their early-season schedule without their leader, fans are eagerly awaiting LeBron’s comeback. His eventual return could significantly elevate the team’s championship hopes and re-energize the roster. For now, the spotlight remains on Doncic and Reaves, who have embraced the challenge of keeping the Lakers’ momentum alive.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, and more (November 10, 2025)
In summary, LeBron James will miss tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets as he continues to recover from sciatica. With a tentative return projected around mid-November, Lakers fans will need to wait a little longer to see their legendary forward back in action - but the anticipation is growing with every passing game.
Despite his absence, the Lakers have maintained strong form early in the season. With a 7-3 record, the team has leaned heavily on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the offensive and playmaking load. Their contributions have kept Los Angeles competitive in a challenging Western Conference, though LeBron’s presence on the floor remains irreplaceable. The Lakers are favored to win tonight’s matchup, but the void left by their leader still looms large.
LeBron James’ Injury Status vs Charlotte Hornets (November 10, 2025)
LeBron James’ will not be playing tonight vs the Hornets. His sciatica issue, which affects the nerve running from the lower back down the leg, has limited him since the preseason. He has primarily been engaged in individual workouts and controlled training sessions but has recently been cleared to resume contact practice. The next milestone for him is full 5-on-5 participation, which could occur either with the Lakers or their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Injuries 11/10
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 10, 2025
LAL:
Austin Reaves - Questionable
LeBron James - Out
Gabe Vincent - Out
CHA:
Miles Bridges - Questionable
LaMelo Ball - Out
Brandon Miller - Out
Grant Williams - Out
Josh Green - Out
POR:
Damian Lillard - Out
Scoot Henderson - Out
Matisse Thybulle - Out
Blake…
According to the team’s medical staff, there is optimism for a return around mid-November. The Lakers plan to reassess LeBron’s condition during or shortly after their ongoing road trip, targeting a potential home game against the Utah Jazz on or around November 18. Given that this is LeBron James’ 23rd NBA season, the Lakers are being cautious with his workload - especially with the new player participation rules that could impact his eligibility for end-of-season honors like All-NBA recognition.
Lakers and Hornets Battle Through Injury Challenges
The Lakers enter tonight’s clash dealing with several injury concerns. In addition to LeBron’s absence, Austin Reaves is listed as questionable due to a groin issue, and Gabe Vincent remains out with an ankle injury. Still, the team’s depth has stepped up, with Doncic leading from the front and role players filling key gaps.
The Hornets, meanwhile, are battling their own injury woes. Star guard LaMelo Ball is sidelined with an ankle injury, Brandon Miller is out with a shoulder issue, and Miles Bridges is questionable with back soreness. Both teams will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to stay competitive.
When is LeBron James Expected to Return to Play
As the Lakers continue to navigate their early-season schedule without their leader, fans are eagerly awaiting LeBron’s comeback. His eventual return could significantly elevate the team’s championship hopes and re-energize the roster. For now, the spotlight remains on Doncic and Reaves, who have embraced the challenge of keeping the Lakers’ momentum alive.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, and more (November 10, 2025)
In summary, LeBron James will miss tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets as he continues to recover from sciatica. With a tentative return projected around mid-November, Lakers fans will need to wait a little longer to see their legendary forward back in action - but the anticipation is growing with every passing game.
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