LeBron James is old by NBA standards, guys. Like, even he’d admit it. Approaching his 42nd birthday, his ability to play at this level is just wild, but Father Time is definitely coming for the 76ers star. We’re talking some seriously unusual injuries already popping up as the season gets going, and even on a stacked 76ers team, he’s gotta manage these ailments.
The Lingering Sciatica Nightmare
Remember last season? James missed the start of the year because of sciatica in his lower back. That’s not typically a basketball thing, and honestly, it sounds brutal. Lakers coach JJ Redick even described it as “nerve irritation in his glute,” primarily on his right side back then. Good news is, he still played well once he got back and was the only Lakers star fully available in the playoffs when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined. But here’s the kicker: ESPN’s Dave McMenamin just reported this month that the sciatica is *still* having lingering effects. The 76ers medical staff is apparently paying “special attention” to his lower back to help him manage it. Sciatica means compressed nerves in the lower spine, causing pain that shoots down a leg. It sounds nasty, and it’s something James will clearly have to keep an eye on.
Chronic Arthritis in the Foot
And if that wasn’t enough, McMenamin also dropped that James has “chronic arthritis” in his left foot. This isn’t exactly new news either; The Athletic reported he was dealing with it all through his last season with the Lakers, even making him pop up on injury reports. While that sciatica was called “debilitating” at its worst, he actually played through the arthritis last season. So, while it’s a chronic thing, he’s shown he can tough it out. But combined with the back, it’s a lot for a guy closing in on 42 to deal with.
Look, sciatica and arthritis aren’t your typical NBA injury report entries, but nothing about playing 24 NBA seasons is typical. This is just the reality for James at this age. He’s gotta get used to managing these issues in his first season with the 76ers. After finishing strong last year in Los Angeles, maybe he’s already got the playbook for handling it. But man, it’s going to be a wild ride watching him navigate this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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