In a dramatic turn during the Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant 125-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings on December 28, 2025, superstar LeBron James exited the game early in the fourth quarter after a collision, sparking immediate concerns among fans about a potential recurring injury.

The 40-year-old (soon to be 41) forward, who had been lighting up the court with an ultra-efficient 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting, collided with Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan, clutching his right lower back before heading to the locker room with just over five minutes remaining.

While the Lakers cruised to snap their three-game losing streak behind Luka Doncic’s 34 points, the sight of James leaving the floor prematurely has reignited debates: Is Father Time finally catching up to the King, or is this just another bump in the road for one of basketball’s greatest endurance stories?

LeBron’s performance up to that point was vintage dominance. He attacked the paint relentlessly, knocked down pull-up jumpers, and facilitated with precision, contributing five assists and three rebounds in a game where the Lakers shot over 52% from the field.

His 84.6% shooting night marked one of the most efficient outings of his illustrious 23-year career, reminding everyone why he’s still a cornerstone for a contending Lakers team sitting at 20-10 and fourth in the Western Conference.

Paired with Doncic, the duo overwhelmed Sacramento’s porous defense, turning what could have been a trap game into a blowout. Yet, that abrupt exit shifted the post-game narrative from celebration to worry.

Head coach JJ Redick addressed the media after the win, confirming the issue stemmed from the collision with DeRozan.

While Redick downplayed it as a precautionary measure in a game already decided, sources close to the situation described it as discomfort in James’ right lower back—a region that’s been a nagging concern this season.

Earlier in 2025-26, James missed the first 14 games due to sciatica, a nerve condition affecting the lower back and legs that forced him to take a patient approach to recovery.

Sciatica can flare up with trauma or strain, and collisions like this one raise questions about whether the original issue has fully healed or if it’s recurring under the physical demands of NBA play.

Fans flooded social media with prayers and concerns, many pointing to James’ age as the underlying factor. Turning 41 on December 30, 2025—just days after this incident—LeBron is defying odds in his 23rd season, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

But the mileage is undeniable: over 60,000 regular-season minutes played, countless playoff battles, and a body that’s carried teams for two decades. This season, he’s adapted his game masterfully, picking spots more selectively while letting younger stars like Doncic and the now-injured Austin Reaves handle heavier loads.

His usage rate has dipped compared to previous years, reflecting a smarter, more conserved approach to preserve his explosiveness.

Still, incidents like this highlight the fragility that comes with elite longevity. James has battled various ailments over the years—groin strains, ankle issues, and now nerve-related problems in the lower body—that tend to linger as recovery slows with age.

The Lakers’ medical staff has been cautious, managing his minutes and load meticulously since his return from sciatica.

Redick has emphasized staggered rotations to ensure either James or Doncic is always orchestrating the offense, a strategy that paid off against the Kings but also underscores the need to protect their aging icon.

What makes this worrying for Lakers Nation is the timing. With Reaves sidelined for at least a month due to a calf injury, the team leans even heavier on James and Doncic. Losing LeBron, even briefly, could derail momentum as they push for playoff positioning in a stacked West.

Yet, history suggests optimism: James has repeatedly bounced back from setbacks, often returning stronger. His efficient play post-sciatica absence shows he’s still capable of All-NBA level impact when healthy.

The question lingering over Crypto.com Arena and beyond—”Could it simply be that he’s getting old?”—is fair but incomplete. Yes, age brings vulnerabilities, slower healing, and more frequent tweaks. But LeBron has redefined what’s possible at 40-plus, maintaining elite conditioning through rigorous training, diet, and recovery tech.

He’s spoken openly about feeling “energetic” on the court and treating age as “just a number,” while acknowledging the reality of wear and tear.

Redick’s post-game comments focused on the positives—the team’s urgency, multiple efforts on defense, and the stars setting the tone—but he couldn’t avoid questions about James’ status. Updates are expected soon, with the Lakers hosting the Pistons next. If this proves minor, it could be a scare that reinforces load management.

If it’s a recurrence of the sciatica or something more, it might force tougher conversations about minutes restrictions or even rest games.

For now, fans are holding their breath, praying for quick recovery. LeBron’s legacy isn’t just about records shattered; it’s about resilience. He’s carried the Lakers through chaos this season—injuries, integration challenges with Doncic, and early offensive disorganization since his return.

This latest scare is a reminder of his humanity, but also his superhuman drive. As the NBA world watches, one thing remains clear: As long as LeBron laces up, he’s far from done writing his story.

The Lakers’ front office and coaching staff will monitor closely, balancing contention with preservation. In a season full of highs—like blowing out teams when healthy—and lows, this incident adds urgency to appreciating every game from the King.

Whether it’s age creeping in or just bad luck, LeBron James continues to inspire, proving that even at 40 (almost 41), he’s still the heartbeat of Los Angeles basketball. Stay tuned for official updates—Lakers fans know better than anyone: Never count out the King.