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7h ago

Barkley Mocks LeBron’s Sciatica Listing as Lakers Target Mid-November Return

ESPN reporting places the onset in late July with a cautious rehab pointing to a mid-November return.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • On-air during ESPN’s coverage, Charles Barkley joked that LeBron James does not have sciatica and said the team should list him as “old,” drawing laughs from Shaquille O’Neal.
  • The Lakers previously announced James would miss the first few weeks with sciatica, and he sat out opening night for the first time in his career.
  • Reporting from ESPN and Shams Charania indicates James first felt a sciatic nerve issue in late July, was re-evaluated around Oct. 30, and is tracking toward a mid-November debut.
  • The commentary arrives as the NBA reviews how teams disclose injuries in light of an FBI illegal-gambling probe, sharpening scrutiny of official listings.
  • Coverage also notes additional Lakers injuries, including Luka Dončić and others, and frames James’ absence within his age 40, 23rd-season workload management context.