Chalien Dantes/Contributor

Lakers fans barely had time to catch their breath after LeBron James’ cryptic retirement tease earlier this week, and now they’ve been hit with something far less theatrical and a lot more painful.

‘The King’ won’t be on the court when the NBA season kicks off.

On Thursday (October 9), the LA Lakers announced that LeBron is dealing with sciatica, which is a nerve issue that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back and leg.

Due to this, he’ll be out for at least three to four weeks. That rules him out for the October 21 home opener against Steph Curry and the Warriors, and he’s likely to miss the October 24 matchup with the Timberwolves, too.

If things go well, LeBron could make his season debut on Halloween night against the Grizzlies. But with nerve problems, nothing is ever a sure thing.

The timing couldn’t be worse for LA fans. Just days ago, they were sent into a frenzy over what looked like LeBron hinting at retirement, only to find out it was just a cleverly staged ad. But this injury is no stunt. It’s real, it’s lingering, and it leaves the Lakers starting the season without their leader.

For now, it’s next man up in purple and gold because the King will be watching from the sidelines.