LeBron James reveals major reason behind early-season injuries

The 2026-27 NBA season has already brought several injury setbacks for some of the league’s biggest names. Teams are losing key players early in the campaign, with some facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has shared his thoughts on the growing injury concerns. He believes the pace of today’s game is making it increasingly difficult for players to prepare for the physical demands of the regular season.His comments offer a different perspective on the challenges players face when transitioning from offseason preparation to regular-season competition.MORE: Insane LeBron James stat gives 76ers real NBA Finals hopeLeBron James points to NBA’s pace as a factor behind early-season injuriesPhiladelphia 76ers forward LeBron James. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast, James discussed the injuries affecting several players at the start of the 2026-27 season, including Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton.“We go back to the pace of the game right now and I think it has a lot to do with it. There’s no way that you can simulate the way we’re playing in today’s game, to offseason training,” James said.LeBron James on injuries to some key players to start the 2026-27 NBA season, via @mindthegamepod:"We go back to the pace of the game right now and I think it has a lot to do with it. There's no way that you can simulate the way we're playing in today's game, to offseason…— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 3, 2026Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. After working to return for the start of this season, he suffered a mild left hamstring strain in his fourth game and is expected to miss at least two weeks.Edwards faces a longer spell on the sidelines. The Minnesota Timberwolves star underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and could miss up to two months.The four-time NBA champion’s point centers on the difference between offseason preparation and the demands of actual NBA competition. Players can work on their strength and conditioning, but training cannot fully replicate the pace and intensity of regular-season games.—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —