After Shams Charania shared an update on LeBron James and his recovery process, many fans think the end will come soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major blow last week when it was revealed that LeBron James was suffering from sciatica and would be sidelined indefinitely.
James is the second-best player on the Lakers, so his absence from the Lakers will be significant, and the Lakers will rely on other stars besides Luka Doncic for scoring and playmaking.
James’ absence will affect the Lakers’ starting five. Because JJ Redick needs to figure out a way to make sure the Lakers don’t suffer big losses in his absence.
And although his absence could end by November, the 40-year-old megastar is in no rush to return to the court, according to Shams Charania.
LeBron James and the Lakers are targeting a mid-November return, and the superstar is taking a patient approach, according to Shams Charania.
“I’ve heard that the Lakers and LeBron are considering mid-November as a realistic time for his debut. The earliest they can officially re-evaluate LeBron James will be October 30th.”
“That’s expected to be at least a few weeks away. A source told me tonight that LeBron will be patient as he rehabilitates from the nerve injury.
“The strengthening process for that is going to take a lot of work on basketball shape and conditioning… LeBron James first suffered this nerve injury in late July, early August.
“So he didn’t get to have the normal LeBron James offseason that we’re used to. He’s 41 years old this year, as superhuman as he has been throughout his career…
Many NBA fans reacted to this update on X by Shams Charania. One fan simply said, “I wish he had taken a more patient approach in asking for the most money.”
Another fan also blamed LeBron, writing, “Then he would blame his coaches and teammates for finishing in the 7th, 8th, and 9th seeds in the first place.”
One fan called for the Lakers to make a change, noting, “I wish they would move this guy and hand the keys to Luka already.”
Meanwhile, another fan explained LeBron’s motivations, claiming, “LeBron is waiting to see if the Lakers are good. If they’re good, he’ll come back. If not, he’s looking for a buyout.”
However, one fan tried to defend LeBron’s approach as sincere, saying, “Sciatica. This is not a two week injury. This is a month, maybe two months. Slow rise. Very slow.”
Another fan lamented that James’ body is showing signs that the end is near, writing, “What a shame. LeBron has very little left in his game.”