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As the Los Angeles Lakers won a thrilling game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN’s NBA analyst, Charles Barkley, didn’t hesitate to question claims about LeBron James and his injury status. The NBA superstar didn’t participate in Wednesday’s away game, as he continues to recover from an injury. Several weeks ago, a report arrived that LeBron was out due to sciatica. In an update from Shams Charania, LeBron’s season debut could occur in mid-November. However, Barkley suggested that LeBron’s sitting out games is due to his age and the toll it’s taking on his body. He dropped the potential claim as a joke while they were discussing the Lakers’ injuries during ESPN’s game coverage. “And first of all, LeBron don’t have a sciatica,” he said to his co-stars, adding, “They just put old: O-L-D, with an extra d too.” That remark drew laughs from fellow analyst Shaquille O’Neal, suggesting that Barkley may have been messing around. However, his comment came soon after one of his friends and former NBA rivals, Michael Jordan, called out the league’s load management. Read more: Lakers’ Jake LaRavia Gets Brutal Jab From Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Last month, Shams Charania reported on LeBron’s injury, indicating he first suffered the “nerve issue” in late July during an on-court workout. He mentioned the Lakers might evaluate his injury on Oct. 30, and then LeBron would need several more weeks due to a “patient” approach with returning to play. In addition to not having LeBron, his superstar teammate Luka Doncic suffered finger and leg injuries, which will sideline him for a bit. Other key players out of the lineup include Marcus Smart, who is out due to a quad injury, Gabe Vincent, who is out with an ankle injury, and Maxi Kleiber due to an oblique injury. Charles Barkley says Lebron DOESN'T have Sciatica pic.twitter.com/hF9sKR0fCz— TheTruth (@Thetruth8240) October 30, 2025 LeBron has set a standard for elite athletes, demonstrating tremendous endurance and conditioning late in his career. He also went straight to the NBA due to his immense talent and has since become a legend and multi-time champion. Barkley, a legend who played with greats like Magic Johnson, Jordan, Larry Bird, and others, played for three teams during his career from 1984 to his retirement in 2000. In the first 12 of his 16 seasons, he never played in fewer than 65 games. That started to change toward the end of his career, as Barley appeared in 42 and 20 games, respectively, for his final two seasons. LeBron’s injury occurred during his 23rd season, and as he approaches 41, he’s still one of the game’s greats. However, with Luka expected to take the reins and an emerging star like Austin Reaves, it could mean King James’s retirement is quickly approaching, allowing him to give his body the rest and recovery it needs. Read more: Lakers’ Bronny James Gets Brutal Reality Check From Former Top Pick For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
