Steve Nash compares back injury to LeBron James’ sciatica

The Los Angeles Lakers they are about to open the season without LeBron Jameswho has sciatica on the right side. The 40-year-old star has been ruled out for several weeks. However, it is expected to return in mid-November as The Lakers are carefully managing his recovery from injury.

James’ diagnosis was confirmed after sitting out training camp with nerve irritation in his glute. The injury likely developed during offseason workouts, and the team will reevaluate him in three to four weeks. Sciatica describes irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which can cause burning or shooting pain from the lower back down the leg.

Hall of Famer Steve Nashwho battled similar nerve issues late in his career with the Lakers, perspective offered to James’ situation. Nash said that while he had never experienced sciatica, he understood the difficulty of playing through nerve pain. He remembered driving to the Staples Center late in his career, unable to sit properly because of inflammation.

“LeBron is physically a lot more capable than me,” Nash said. “I think he’s going to come back here and be able to have a good, strong season. But even if he didn’t have sciatica, like LeBron doesn’t have to play 82 games. LeBron doesn’t have to fly day one. I don’t mind this for the Lakers at all.”

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Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment, saying James is “on his own timeline” and will only return when he’s ready. Redick stressed patience, noting that nerve-related injuries require careful treatment to avoid long-term problems.

Meanwhile, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves are expected to take on more of the offensive load. Doncic said he is focused on doing “whatever it takes” to help the team win while James recovers.

James, entering his 23rd NBA season, averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last year. Even as he approaches 41 years old, he remains one of the league’s most productive players. The Lakers, who have historically struggled without him, are prioritizing long-term health over early-season urgency as their leader recovers from one of the most unpredictable injuries of his career.