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9 hours ago
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There's been speculation for years about LeBron James' retirement.
The all-time great has won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. He's the league's all-time leading scorer. How much longer can he last?
As the NBA season gets underway, people are continuing to ask about LeBron's retirement, and this time for a different reason: He's not on the floor.
The Lakers opened the season Tuesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors, and James wasn't on the floor. But it's not for this reason.
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Did LeBron James retire?
No, LeBron James did not retire.
He's in the final year of his contract with the Lakers.
This offseason, James opted in to his player option with L.A. that is paying him $52.6 million to play this season.
Why isn't LeBron James playing?
LeBron isn't playing not because he's retired, but because of injury.
James is dealing with sciatica on the right side, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Sciatica causes pain and weakness in the lower back and leg.
When James was diagnosed with the sciatica, he was expected to be out for three to four weeks. The Lakers would hope to have him back in early November.
James' absence has meant the likes of Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura are more important. Austin Reaves gets more secondary ball-handling duties, too.
The Lakers will want James at his best late in the year, so they won't rush things now.
For now, James will be on the sideline, not retired but just waiting.
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