NBA analyst Charles Barkley has questioned the official injury report of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who is currently sidelined with a sciatica injury. This condition affects the lower back and legs; however, Barkley suggested the injury might not be the real reason behind James’ absence.
Barkley joked about the injury during a discussion on ESPN, stating that he did not believe LeBron is suffering from sciatica. He did reveal a simpler and more direct reason behind the star player’s absence during the start of the NBA season.
The NBA analyst provided an alternative diagnosis for the Laker star’s injury report. This shot towards LeBron implies that he is simply dealing with the natural aches and pains that come with his age as a professional athlete.
“First of all, LeBron don’t have a sciatica. They [should] just put old. O-L-D, with an extra ‘d’ too.”
James Is Currently Out Of The Lakers With Sciatica
The legendary LeBron James is currently unavailable for the Los Angeles Lakers due to a diagnosis of sciatica on his right side. This condition involves pain running along the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and down the legs.
A specific date for James’ return has not been provided by The Lakers; however, they did announce that James would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. This leaves the team shorthanded at the start of this 2025-26 NBA season.
Many former players spoke on the uncertainty surrounding James’ Injury. NBA legend Kevin Garnett suggested that James was faking the injury as he was likely trying to pressure the Lakers after they did not offer him a contract extension. However, this theory has been largely dismissed.
James Is Turning 41 This Year
LeBron James is approaching a significant birthday milestone. The veteran is set to turn 41 years old later this year in December. This age is certainly a bit up there to be playing professional basketball, but it tells us that James is among the most enduring athletes in NBA history.
As the athletes enter their 40s, it becomes common for them to pick up these injuries that require longer recovery times. The intense wear and tear on the body after two decades in the league has, unfortunately, led to the issues James is currently facing.
The sciatica injury is often associated with older individuals, so this clearly puts injury-faking allegations to rest. The condition James is suffering from supports Barkley’s point that the veteran is experiencing a natural decline that comes with aging.
Published: Oct 30, 2025 03:44 pm