LeBron James to Miss Part of Season Due to Sciatica

NBA fans might be in for a bit of a wait regarding LeBron James’ entrance into his 23rd season. The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that he is dealing with sciatica, which is expected to keep him sidelined for around three to four weeks. Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that James is “on his timeline,” whatever that means.

Earlier this month, James had already missed both preseason games due to a lower-body injury. He hadn’t participated fully during training camp, as Redick described it, dealing with “a little nerve irritation in his hip” since late September.

Redick also noted that with the most minutes logged in NBA history, the team may need to “step up a little bit for Opening Day.”

Sciatica involves pain that “originates along the sciatic nerve,” radiating down the legs, according to Johns Hopkins University. It sounds really uncomfortable, honestly.

With four preseason games still on the schedule, this situation marks the first time in his career that James will miss an entire exhibition season.

Earlier this week, James clarified that his much-discussed “second decision” didn’t involve his future in basketball. Instead, it was related to a marketing campaign for a limited edition Hennessy bottle inspired by his signature gesture.

Last season, when James was out, the Lakers managed a 6-6 record. The Golden State Warriors will be the Lakers’ first opponents as both teams kick off their regular season on October 21st.