By NBA standards, LeBron James is old. Even he would tell you that.
While James' ability to play at a high level — or play at all — as he approaches his 42nd birthday is just about unprecedented, Father Time is beginning to take a toll on the 76ers star in the form of some unusual injuries.
Playing on a talented 76ers team takes some of the pressure off James to be available on a nightly basis, but the four-time NBA champion is already managing some ailments as the season gets underway.
Here's what you need to know about James' back and foot injuries.
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LeBron James back injury
James missed the start of last season due to sciatica in his lower back, though he was able to play well and stay on the court once he returned. In fact, James was the only Lakers star fully available in the playoffs as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves battled injuries.
Not typically a basketball condition, the sciatica is reportedly still having some lingering effects. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported earlier in October that the 76ers' medical staff pays "special attention" to James' lower back to help him manage after last year's sciatica bout.
Here's what you need to know about the condition.
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What is sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when nerves are compressed in the lower spine. While each case is different, sciatica typically causes pain that shoots down into the leg on one side of the body.
Lakers coach JJ Redick described James as having "nerve irritation in his glute" last season, and the discomfort was relegated to the right side for James. Based on McMenamin's report, any discomfort now appears to be focused on the lower back.
LeBron James foot injury
McMenamin also noted that James has "chronic arthritis" in his left foot, which is also not a new development. The Athletic reported James dealt with arthritis in his foot throughout his final season with the Lakers, causing him to pop up on the injury report.
While James' sciatica bout was reported to be "debilitating" at its worst, he was able to play through arthritis in his foot last season. Sciatica and arthritis aren't typical conditions that show up on an NBA injury report, but nothing about playing 24 NBA seasons is typical. At James' age, these conditions come with the territory.
As he approaches his 42nd birthday, James will evidently have to get used to managing these ailments in his first season with the 76ers. After finishing the year strong in Los Angeles, he might already be used to doing so.
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