LeBron James Will Miss More Time Due to Health Issues
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has not participated in training camp and will be out of the courts for an additional period of three to four weeks due to sciatica issues on the right side, the team announced on Thursday.
James, 40, missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games and has yet to participate in a full practice due to what coach JJ Redick described as nerve irritation in his glute.
Sciatica describes the symptoms of irritation, inflammation, or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the lumbar spine (lower back) 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 and tingling.
When asked on Thursday about James’ progress with the injury, Redick said James was “on his own timeline”.
If James remains out of action for the full three to four weeks, he would miss the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
It was reported this week that James would likely miss the preseason, but had been targeting opening night for his return to action.
James embarks on his 23rd season, breaking a tie with Vince Carter for the longest career in NBA history.
Since James joined the Lakers in 2018-19, 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).
