Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is getting closer to making his long-awaited 2025-26 NBA season debut.
The 40-year-old has missed roughly the first month of the season recovering from sciatica, and just got back from a rehab G League assignment with the South Bay Lakers.
James spoke to the media on Monday and opened up on his injury, revealing that he’s dealt with sciatica before.
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“You ever had it? Anybody ever had it?” LeBron asked the gathered reporters at Lakers practice via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“I’ve had it, I had it two years ago… if you had it, then you know what the hell it’s about. If you ain’t never had it… people making jokes about it, I pray you never get it. It’s not fun.”
James was then asked if he had the injury throughout the duration of the 2023-24 season, which, based on his comments, would date back to two years ago he first dealt with sciatica.
“No — offseason.”
It’s positive to hear that the four-time NBA champion was familiar with the rehab and recovery needed to overcome sciatica. The Lakers, who have been able to hold down the fort in James’ absence, will hope to get him back in top condition.
For a team with championship aspirations, Los Angeles will need all three of its stars — Luka Doncic, James and Austin Reaves — at 100 percent if it hopes to contend in a loaded Western Conference.
Charlie Baduini is a freelance NBA writer with The Sporting News. He is a content editor and writer with a wide variety of sports reporting experience in live broadcasting and print media.