The Los Angeles Lakers will be without LeBron James when they begin their regular season next week due to a case of sciatica. He is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks, but it is anyone’s guess what his status will be at that point.
This will be the first time James has ever missed a regular-season opener in his career. The Lakers should have the depth and talent to survive a short-term absence by him, but if he’s out for more than a handful of games, things could get tricky.
One NBA executive said that because of the nature of the 40-year-old’s ailment, he wouldn’t be surprised if the superstar isn’t able to return until December.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Sciatica is really, really painful,” the NBA executive said. “And LeBron’s body isn’t healing quickly anymore like it used to. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t play in October or November. The Lakers have to be careful with this injury, and I think they will be very, very cautious.”
The indication is that the Lakers will certainly be very cautious with James. When training camp started, his camp reportedly wanted them to be “overly cautious” with him, and one has to figure that the franchise is cognizant of how much wear and tear James has.
He reportedly first suffered sciatica during an on-the-court offseason workout during midsummer.
Once James does return, he will set a new NBA record by playing in his 23rd season in the league. He averaged 24.4 points on 51.3% field-goal shooting and 37.6% from 3-point range, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game last season, and he has appeared in at least 70 games apiece during the last two seasons.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Executive wouldn’t be surprised if LeBron James is out for two months
