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 yet to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers as he continues to recover from a persistent sciatica issue. The extended rehab period has sparked speculation among fans about whether this setback could lead him toward retirement.

In early October, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the 40-year-old forward was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute and would miss the entire preseason. On October 9, the team confirmed he would be out for at least three to four weeks, but the recovery timeline has since grown longer.

Before Wednesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that LeBron now aims to return in the second or third week of November. That schedule means the four-time MVP, entering his 23rd NBA season, will miss at least the first ten regular-season games.

Expert Medical Opinion

To shed light on the condition, EssentiallySports consulted 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,”

Dr. Shah explained, adding that recovery periods may vary significantly.

“Recovery can take a couple of weeks or a couple of months.”

Summary

LeBron James’ recovery from sciatica continues longer than expected, with experts suggesting it’s a condition that can range widely in duration and prognosis.

Hindustan Times — 2025-11-01