What's LeBron James' Injury Timeline to Return to Lakers After Being Out vs. Pelicans?

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to foot management, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

James was previously sidelined for Los Angeles' first 14 regular-season games due to sciatica on his right side before returning for the team's matchup with the Utah Jazz on Nov. 18.

Injuries haven't affected James' tenure with the Lakers in recent years, as he's suited up in at least 70 games during each of the prior two seasons.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer also hasn't shown too many signs of slowing down on the court, as he's coming off a 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game on 51.3/37.6/78.2 shooting splits.

James earned All-NBA Second Team honors for his efforts.

This season, he's recorded 16.5 points and 5.0 rebounds to go along with 8.3 assists in four contests.

Luka Dončić, who averaged 34.4 points per game to open the 2025-26 season while the four-time MVP was out, will handle running Los Angeles' offense once again until James can make his return.

Austin Reaves is also a candidate to see an expanded offensive role in the meantime, looking to help the Lakers improve upon their 14-4 record.