Why LeBron James isn't playing tonight for Lakers vs. Hawks with injury news, return timeline

Billy Heyen

Why LeBron James isn't playing tonight for Lakers vs. Hawks with injury news, return timeline image

Royalty is still missing from the court for the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James still hasn't played this season, and that remains true on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.

The King's absence has come during a stretch when the Lakers have had occasional other absences, too.

Luka Doncic has gotten back out on the court, but L.A. Will also be without Austin Reaves on Saturday night against Atlanta.

LeBron's presence on the sideline in street clothes looms large as always.

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Why isn't LeBron James playing tonight?

LeBron James isn't playing against the Hawks on Saturday night because he's still injured.

James is dealing with sciatica on the right side of his body, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Sciatica causes pain and weakness in the lower back and leg. It's not something James has been documented as having dealt with before.

When James was diagnosed with the sciatica, he was expected to be out for three to four weeks. The Lakers would have hoped to have him back in early November.

When is LeBron James coming back?

LeBron appears to be a couple weeks away.

Charania reported that James was cleared for basketball activities on Thursday and would be re-evaluated in "one to two weeks."

It sounds like James has to get back into the flow of 5-on-5 action, and then will hopefully be ready to go when he's evaluated again.

That won't be for at least another week-plus, though, it appears.

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Staff Writer