LeBron James completed a full Los Angeles Lakers practice on Monday for the first time this season after missing time with sciatica. Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
The 40-year-old, in his 23rd NBA season, missed training camp and is aiming to make his season debut as the Lakers approach Game 15. Los Angeles is 10-4 and sits fourth in the Western Conference without him.
“My lungs feel like a newborn babies’,” James said. “That’s the most important thing, I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man’s and my voice is already gone. One day back and barking out calls, I need to get my voice working again. There will be a lot of tea and rest tonight.”
James added that this is his second bout with sciatica, saying, “I had it two years ago. If you’ve had it, then you know what it’s about. If you’ve never had it and people are making jokes about it, I pray you never get it. It’s not fun.”
He acknowledged the challenge of missing the season start: “Never in my life, since I started playing basketball, have I not started a season. It’s been a mind test but I’m built for it. Putting in the work both mentally and physically and trying my best to get back on the team.”
James previously spoke in September about the twilight of his career, saying he expects retirement “a lot sooner than later” and emphasizing how he values being able to continue playing at a high level. “Age is kind of just a number, but it is reality, too,” he said, reflecting on his longevity and desire to inspire others.
The Lakers will host the 5-8 Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.