LeBron James Nears Lakers Return After Second Bout With Sciatica
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said Monday that the sciatic nerve pain delaying his season debut is something he has confronted before, describing the condition as “not fun” and difficult to shake.
James, 40, has missed every game since training camp while managing sciatica on his right side. Speaking after practice at the team’s facility, he recalled battling the same issue two seasons ago and urged anyone joking about the ailment to hope they never experience it.
“I had it two years ago,” James said. “If you’ve never had it and you’re making jokes about it, I pray you never get it.”
The four-time MVP noted he is still dealing with discomfort, but daily mobility and strengthening exercises have eased the symptoms enough to target a return “very soon.”
“You wake up and hope that when you step out of bed you don’t feel it,” he explained. “You go to sleep and hope you don’t feel it. I’ve been doing pretty good with it lately by staying consistent with the exercises.”
Sciatica stems from irritation of the sciatic nerve and can linger if not carefully managed. The Lakers plan to monitor the condition day-to-day to avoid any setbacks that could lengthen James’s absence as he enters his 23rd NBA season.
Despite James’s time on the sideline, Los Angeles has opened the season strongly on both ends of the floor, a start that has impressed the veteran star. He said he expects to contribute immediately once cleared to play.
Source: Lakers Nation
