Overview
- The Lakers listed right-sided sciatica for James and he missed opening night for the first time in his 23-season career.
- Shams Charania reported an Oct. 30 evaluation and a cautious plan that could delay his season debut until mid-November.
- Head coach JJ Redick has indicated James is nearing a return, as Los Angeles also deals with injuries to Luka Doncic and others.
- Charles Barkley publicly questioned the sciatica designation, while outside physicians interviewed separately emphasized that recovery can take weeks to months.
- With free agency looming after this season, Charania said James’ long-term status with the Lakers is very much up in the air.