Could LeBron James' sciatica injury end his career? What doctors are saying

Could LeBron James' Sciatica Injury End His Career? What Doctors Are Saying

LeBron James has not yet appeared for the Los Angeles Lakers this season as he continues to deal with a lingering sciatica issue. The prolonged recovery has led fans to speculate whether the injury could push the 40-year-old star toward retirement.

In early October, ESPN reporter Shams Charania shared that James was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute and would likely skip all preseason games. On October 9, the Lakers confirmed he would miss at least three to four weeks. However, the timeline has since been extended.

Before the Lakers' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach JJ Redick stated that LeBron is now aiming for a return in the second or third week of November. As a result, the four-time MVP, beginning his 23rd NBA season, will sit out at least the first ten games of the regular season.

Expert Opinion on Sciatica

To clarify the nature of the injury, EssentiallySports interviewed Dr. Jay Shah, Medical Director of Sports Medicine at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

“Sciatica is an umbrella term and can mean a few different things. But overall, there is a nerve impingement,” he explained. “Recovery can take a couple of weeks or a couple of months.”

Outlook

While the Lakers remain cautious, LeBron’s recovery progress over the coming weeks will determine whether this setback affects the final stages of his illustrious career.

Author’s summary: LeBron James' slow recovery from sciatica raises questions about his return timeline and the potential impact on the twilight of his career.

Hindustan Times — 2025-11-01