Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been ruled out of the start of the new NBA season after being diagnosed with sciatica, a nerve-related condition affecting his right side.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the 40-year-old veteran will be sidelined for “at least three to four weeks” as he undergoes treatment and recovery. The setback comes just as James was preparing for his remarkable 23rd season in the league — a milestone few players have achieved.
Sciatica, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling along the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back through the legs, is known to limit mobility and agility — critical components of James’s game.
This latest injury adds to a string of physical challenges the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP has faced in recent months. During the previous season, James suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, which forced him to miss several key games, including parts of the playoffs.
He also battled nerve irritation in his glute earlier this year, causing him to miss the start of the Lakers’ training camp.
Despite the setbacks, LeBron has maintained one of the most durable and decorated careers in NBA history, consistently performing at an elite level deep into his 30s and now 40s. His absence, however, poses a significant challenge for the Lakers, who rely heavily on his leadership and playmaking ability as they aim for another strong championship run.
While the Lakers have yet to release an official update on his recovery timeline, sources suggest the team will take a cautious approach to ensure the veteran returns fully fit for the long season ahead.
