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dave mcmenamin
El Segundo, California– Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron JamesThe team announced Thursday that Joe, who has not yet participated in training camp, will be sidelined an additional three to four weeks due to sciatica in his right side.
James, 40, missed the Lakers’ first two preseason games and coach JJ Redick has yet to participate in a full practice because of nerve irritation in his glute.
According to ESPN injury analyst Stefania Bell, sciatica describes the symptoms of irritation, inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The nerve originates from the lumbar (lower) spine and passes through the gluteal muscles and hamstrings before branching into other smaller nerves in the lower leg and foot. Symptoms can range from pain that is sharp or burning to numbness and tingling or pins and needles. Resolution time varies widely and depends on the source of the problem.
When asked for an update on James’ injury progress Thursday before the Lakers released his sciatica diagnosis, Redick said James was “on his timeline.”
If James continues to be sidelined for a full three to four weeks, he may miss the opening night game against the Lakers. Golden State Warriors On 21st October.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this week that James will likely miss the preseason, but he is targeting Opening Night to return to game action.
James is entering his record-setting 23rd season, tying him with Vince Carter for the longest career in NBA history.
Since James joined the Lakers in 2018-19, he is 248-171 (.591 winning percentage) with them on the Los Angeles court. When he doesn’t play, the Lakers are 56–78 (.418).
