LeBron James has not played for the Los Angeles Lakers this season as he recovers from a persistent sciatica injury. In early October, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the 40-year-old star was sidelined due to nerve irritation in his glute and was expected to miss the entire preseason. On October 9, the Lakers announced he would be out for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
Since then, the recovery period has extended. Prior to the Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach JJ Redick informed reporters that LeBron now aims to return in the second or third week of November. This delay means the four-time MVP, in his 23rd NBA season, will miss at least the first 10 regular-season games.
The extended absence has sparked rumors among fans that this injury might lead LeBron toward retirement.
“Sciatica is an umbrella term and can mean a few different things. But overall, there is a nerve impingement,” explained Dr. Jay Shah, Medical Director of Sports Medicine at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. “Recovery can take a couple of weeks or a couple of months.”
LeBron James’ ongoing struggle with sciatica is causing a delayed return to play, raising questions about his career’s future amid a challenging recovery timeline.