LeBron James will miss more time due to injury
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not participate in the coming weeks due to sciatica problems on his right side, the team announced this Thursday. James, who has not yet participated in training camp, will be out of action for an additional three to four weeks.
James, 40, missed the first two preseason games and has yet to participate in a full practice. Coach JJ Redick described the injury as irritation of the gluteal nerves.
According to ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell, sciatica describes the symptoms of irritation, inflammation, or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates from a group of nerve roots in the lumbar spine and travels through the gluteal muscles and hamstrings before branching into other smaller nerves in the lower leg and foot. Symptoms can range from sharp or burning pain to numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation. Recovery time varies widely and depends on the source of the problem.
When asked on Thursday about James’ progress with the injury, before the Lakers revealed the sciatica diagnosis, Redick said James was “on his own timeline”.
If James continues to be out of action for the full three or four weeks, he would miss the Lakers’ opening game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
This week it was reported that James would likely miss the preseason, but that his goal was to return for the first game of the season.
James is about to start his 23rd season, setting a record and breaking the tie with Vince Carter for the longest career in NBA history.
Since James joined the Lakers in the 2018-19 season, Los Angeles has a record of 248-171 (a .591 winning percentage) with him on the court. When he doesn’t play, the Lakers have a record of 56-78 (.418).
