Redick reveals worrying diagnosis for LeBron injury recovery

Things aren’t looking good for LeBron James. The NBA veteran is sidelined due to a diagnosis of sciatica in his lower back and right side, a development revealed by head coach JJ Redick with such a strong degree of caution that it set off alarm bells for the Los Angeles Lakers’ fans across the globe.

Redick’s tone carried more concern than confidence, and hinted that recovery could take longer than expected. For a player who has defied time for two decades, this diagnosis feels like one of the more troubling chapters of his career.

LeBron’s condition was initially described as “nerve irritation in the glute”, but later it was specified the broader sciatica issue, hinting at more than a standard muscular tweak.

“We don’t have a target date”

Any of you who have suffered from the same issue, you’ll be well aware how debilitating the pain is. Sciatica involves the large sciatic nerve running from the lower back, through the glute and down the leg, meaning any inflammation or compression can disrupt both mobility and stability. The Lakers say LeBron will be re-evaluated in about three to four weeks, meaning a return is not around the corner.

“Obviously, this thing has to continue to progress with all of his return-to-play protocols,” Redick said. “So we don’t have, like, a target date. It’s just somewhere in that general timeline. We hope that he’s kind of checked all the boxes and is going to be back sometime in that second or third week in November.”

LeBron James is still training on his own as he recovers from the sciatica affecting his lower back and right side. According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the next phase of his rehab will involve joining full 5-on-5 practices, a significant step toward his return to the Lakers’ lineup.

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Last season, LeBron James continued to defy the effects of time with another stellar campaign for the Los Angeles Lakers (who beat the Spurs on Wednesday). In 70 regular-season games, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 51.3 percent from the field.

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