EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers` renowned player, LeBron James, is set to miss the initial three to four weeks of the season, the team confirmed Thursday. He has been diagnosed with right-sided sciatica and has yet to join training camp activities.
The 40-year-old star has already sat out the Lakers` first two preseason matchups and hasn`t engaged in a full team practice, reportedly due to “nerve irritation in his glute,” as stated by coach JJ Redick.
According to injury analyst Stephania Bell, sciatica encompasses symptoms arising from irritation, inflammation, or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates from lumbar spine nerve roots, extending through the glutes and hamstrings, and then branching into the lower leg and foot. Patients can experience symptoms ranging from sharp or burning pain to numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation. Recovery periods are highly variable, contingent on the underlying cause.
Prior to the official sciatica diagnosis, when queried on Thursday about James` injury status, Coach Redick indicated that James was “on his own timeline” for recovery.
If James` recovery indeed extends for the full three to four weeks, he would be absent for the Lakers` season opener on October 21st against the Golden State Warriors.
Earlier this week, Shams Charania reported that while James was expected to miss the preseason, he was aiming to be back on the court for opening night.
This season marks a historic 23rd for James, surpassing Vince Carter`s record for the longest career in NBA history.
Since his arrival in Los Angeles in the 2018-19 season, the Lakers have maintained a 248-171 record (.591 winning percentage) in games where James played. In contrast, without him, their record stands at 56-78 (.418).
