Charles Barkley downplays LeBron James’ injury, ‘he’s just old’

After Los Angeles Lakers revealed head coach JJ Redick LeBron James is close to returning for his regular season debut, the Hall of Fame forward and ESPN analyst Charles Barclay played down his sciatica injury. For Barkley, it’s a nice way for the Lakers to give James time to adjust to his older frame.

James, 40, is in his 23rd NBA season, Barkley believes the biggest factor on why LeBron hasn’t played a game yet, he said on the Dan Patrick show.

“He’s just old. Everybody gets old. He says it’s sciatica. You know what that means, Dan? Yeah, I know his back hurts,” Barkley said. “All old people have back pain, Dan. All old people have back pain. You can dress it up as sciatica. You can come up with all these medical terms. LeBron is old.”

Luka Doncic, who had a sprained left finger and a left leg contusion, joined LeBron James on the Lakers’ injured list. Redick says both are close to returning to their starting lineup. Meanwhile, Los Angeles took care of business in a 116-115 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves as the Lakers have won two of their last three games.

They will look to carry the momentum into the Lakers’ first NBA Cup game of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Deandre Ayton holds 100 on the Lakers NBA Cup game

Veterans Center Deandre Ayton addressed his first NBA Cup game since joining the Lakers during the offseason. For Ayton, he feels the difference in the way players compete during NBA Cup games. He looks forward to it increased level of competitionhe said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“Yesterday, I think, I found out it was a tournament game, I started seeing tournament basketball and things like that,” Ayton said. “I’m excited. We know it’s games like this when you step up. I’m just happy that we played the way we did, where we got our physicality up and the defense where the coaches want it. Now we have extreme confidence.”

“I’m excited. We know games like this are when we step it up.” The Lakers’ Deandre Ayton begins their NBA playoff schedule tonight in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/6Ip9dlGddv

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 31, 2025

The Lakers will face the Grizzlies on the road in their first game of the NBA Cup.