LeBron James is missing opening night of the NBA season for the first time in his 23-year career, raising eyebrows. Amid his injury recovery, Charles Barkley made sure to add his own twist to his response. As the Los Angeles Lakers listed James out due to sciatica, Barkley wasn’t convinced. Instead, he suggested something simpler: it was James’ age. The Hall of Famer’s remark during ESPN’s Inside the NBA appears to be a joke, or perhaps a blunt truth about the 40-year-old superstar.
Charles Barkley calls out LeBron James for constant injury updates
During the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Barkley didn’t hold back when he saw the team’s long injury list. “And first of all, LeBron don’t have a sciatica,” he said on-air.
“They should just put old. O-L-D, with an extra D too.” The jab drew laughter from co-host Shaquille O’Neal, but Barkley’s tone carried that familiar edge.
Sciatica, a nerve-related issue, is rare among younger athletes, and Barkley’s comment played on that fact. While the Lakers described James’ absence as a result of “nerve pain” from late July workouts, Barkley suggested Father Time might be the real culprit.
This isn’t the first time James’ injury status has faced scrutiny. Kevin Garnett recently implied that LeBron might be using his time off as leverage amid tension with the Lakers, who appear to be transitioning their focus toward Luka Doncic.
What happened to LeBron James?
Reports suggest LeBron began dealing with sciatic nerve pain in mid-summer and has been sidelined since. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently shared that the Lakers are “taking a patient approach,” hoping for a return by mid-November.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed there’s no fixed date, noting that “the team is eyeing the second or third week of November as the general range.”
In LeBron’s absence, Austin Reaves has stepped up in scoring, and the Lakers have managed a 3–2 start. Still, the team clearly misses its veteran leader. James, who turns 41 this December, is no stranger to scrutiny over his durability. However, he has been consistent with his gameplay. As of now, there is no clear update on the King’s return timeline.
Also Read: LeBron James teases thrilling new venture that blends nostalgia, imagination, and a hint of Halloween mystery
Charles Barkley calls out LeBron James for constant injury updates
During the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Barkley didn’t hold back when he saw the team’s long injury list. “And first of all, LeBron don’t have a sciatica,” he said on-air.
“They should just put old. O-L-D, with an extra D too.” The jab drew laughter from co-host Shaquille O’Neal, but Barkley’s tone carried that familiar edge.
Charles Barkley said LeBron faking his injury 😭 pic.twitter.com/CsglEvVZb5
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 30, 2025
Sciatica, a nerve-related issue, is rare among younger athletes, and Barkley’s comment played on that fact. While the Lakers described James’ absence as a result of “nerve pain” from late July workouts, Barkley suggested Father Time might be the real culprit.
This isn’t the first time James’ injury status has faced scrutiny. Kevin Garnett recently implied that LeBron might be using his time off as leverage amid tension with the Lakers, who appear to be transitioning their focus toward Luka Doncic.
What happened to LeBron James?
Reports suggest LeBron began dealing with sciatic nerve pain in mid-summer and has been sidelined since. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently shared that the Lakers are “taking a patient approach,” hoping for a return by mid-November.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed there’s no fixed date, noting that “the team is eyeing the second or third week of November as the general range.”
In LeBron’s absence, Austin Reaves has stepped up in scoring, and the Lakers have managed a 3–2 start. Still, the team clearly misses its veteran leader. James, who turns 41 this December, is no stranger to scrutiny over his durability. However, he has been consistent with his gameplay. As of now, there is no clear update on the King’s return timeline.
Also Read: LeBron James teases thrilling new venture that blends nostalgia, imagination, and a hint of Halloween mystery
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