LeBron James will begin the NBA season on the injury list for the first time in his remarkable career. The Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed that the 40-year-old forward has been ruled out due to sciatica, marking a significant moment in his 23-year tenure in the league. This setback follows knee surgery undertaken over the summer after the Lakers’ early playoff exit.
Kevin Garnett Calls Out JJ Redick
NBA legend Kevin Garnett has voiced strong criticism of Lakers head coach JJ Redick for his management of LeBron James during the playoffs. In a recent episode of his podcast, Garnett condemned Redick for allowing James to play a staggering 46 minutes in their first-round playoff loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves last spring.
- Garnett referred to the decision as “bogus,” emphasizing the recklessness of overworking a player of James’s age and experience.
- He noted that such extensive minutes should have warranted more consideration for James’s health, especially given his extensive career.
JJ Redick Reflects on Previous Mistakes
In his second season as head coach, Redick has acknowledged that the team’s preparation for the playoffs was inadequate. He stated at media day that they weren’t physically ready for competition, attributing some of the issues to an exhausting March schedule and injury concerns.
Despite the playoff disappointment and the subsequent critique, the Lakers have continued to show confidence in Redick, signing him to a two-year extension that runs through the 2030 season.
LeBron’s Recovery and Lakers’ Upcoming Challenges
LeBron James is expected to remain sidelined until mid-November due to nerve irritation from sciatica. Head coach Redick commented on the importance of managing James’s recovery, noting the unpredictability of such injuries.
- In his absence, players like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and offseason acquisitions Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton are poised to step up.
- The Lakers are taking a cautious approach, considering James has missed a significant number of games in recent seasons.
Garnett’s Respect for James
Despite the current challenges, Garnett praised James for maintaining a high level of performance, indicating that he continues to play at an All-NBA caliber. Garnett remarked on James’s passion for the game, suggesting that his love for basketball should keep him on the court as long as possible.
As the Lakers navigate this unfamiliar start to the season, the impact of LeBron’s absence will be closely monitored, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
