The Los Angeles Lakers began their 2025–26 season with a 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, but the bigger story wasn’t the defeat; it was LeBron James’ demeanor on the sidelines . For the first time in his 23-year career, the 40-year-old superstar missed an opening-night game, sitting out due to a sciatic back injury.

During the contest, cameras repeatedly showed James sitting quietly on the bench, rarely clapping, cheering, or communicating with teammates, even as Luka Doncic erupted for 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha addressed the matter on his “Buha’s Block” podcast, saying:

“Yeah, I mean I don’t wanna play armchair psychologist here, so I’m — I wanna refrain from too much speculation. But the vibes with that situation have not been

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