Sciatica pause as roster gears up for lift-off

LeBron James will be re-evaluated in about 3–4 weeks due to right-side sciatica, ruling him out of the Oct. 21 opener against Golden State. The 40-year-old entering his 23rd season says he’ll ramp up gradually.

On the bright side, Lakers fans now get a sneak peek at the future—like test-driving a new car while Dad’s still got the keys.