Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Saturday he is optimistic LeBron James will not be sidelined for long after the star forward was ruled out for “a few weeks” with right-side sciatica.
“We knew he was dealing with the nerve irritation, so you hope that he’s back soon,” Redick told reporters after practice. “Those things can be tricky, and we knew this going into camp, so it wasn’t like this changed anything for how we want to practice or what our philosophies are for preseason games.”
The Lakers opened camp without their 23-year veteran, forcing Redick to juggle lineups while preseason chemistry is built. The coach acknowledged he may install a temporary starting five until James is cleared. “It is unclear what the starting lineup is gonna be—that’s the reality until he’s back,” he said.
Los Angeles improved its depth during the offseason, adding Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart. With Doncic in full health, the club expects to weather James’s absence as it navigates a relatively light early schedule. The Lakers hope the four-time MVP can return before their first extended road trip, which begins Nov. 8 against the Atlanta Hawks.
James, who has never missed Opening Night, believes the retooled roster will allow him to ramp up gradually once he is cleared. The Lakers have indicated they will prioritize long-term health over an early-season return for the 39-year-old forward.
Source: Lakers Nation
