LeBron James to Miss Lakers' Upcoming Road Trip
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not join the team's five-game road trip starting Saturday as he continues recovering from sciatica on his right side, reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Rehabilitation Progress
Charania highlighted that the "next step" in James' rehab involves 5-on-5 live play, which may happen either in sessions against G League players or once the Lakers return from their road trip in November. The team expects James to make his season debut "around mid-November."
Injury Background
- September: Lakers confirmed James suffered nerve irritation in his glute, sidelining him for preseason.
- Season opener: James missed the first game against the Golden State Warriors due to sciatica.
- October update: Targeted mid-November return was announced by ESPN in mid-October.
Impact on the Lakers
Despite James' absence, the Lakers have started the season strong with a 6-2 record. At 41, James remains one of the oldest players in the NBA but has maintained remarkable durability, playing 71 games two seasons ago and 70 games last season while averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game.
"As durable as James has been, minor injuries are bound to come up at his age, and that's exactly what has happened early on this year."
The team benefits from not relying solely on James thanks to the presence of star Luka Dončić.
Author's Summary
LeBron James will miss the Lakers' road trip due to sciatica but aims for a mid-November return, with the team performing well in his absence thanks to Luka Dončić.