LeBron James has been dealing with sciatica, which has kept him out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first five games.
James isn’t expected back in the Los Angeles Lakers lineup until mid-November at the earliest. Luka Doncic played the first two games before missing time as well due to a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.
Austin Reaves, meanwhile, is off to a strong start and has helped steer the ship for L.A. in their absence.
Shaq backs LeBron James for another NBA Finals appearance
With James sitting out the early games, he could be fresher than usual if the Lakers end up playing into June.
Shaquille O’Neal said he’s looking forward to seeing how James holds up over an extended run when fully fit.
And even though it’s still early, Shaq believes another finals trip is on the cards for Los Angeles with LeBron leading the way.
“A Cinderella season and at least another trip to the Finals,” O’Neal said. “I would love to see him and 30-45 games in a row so we could really see what that looks like. Once you get in the playoffs anything can happen.”
LeBron James aims to get fit as Lakers target title run
It’s the first time in his 23-year career that James has missed the opening stretch of a season. At 40, he knows retirement isn’t far off, so every game left means that bit more.
READ MORE: How the Indiana Pacers let Austin Reaves get away, and he’s making them regret it
Even while sidelined, James has stayed involved, showing support for Reaves and Doncic on X. But he’s not rushing things either; he’s taking his time to recover fully.
Once he gets the all-clear to play, the focus will shift to building rhythm and chemistry with a group expected to chase another title when the calendar flips.
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