Jason Kidd Reveals Optimistic Update on Kyrie Irving’s Back Injury: “It’s Not Long-Term”
During the Dallas Mavericks’ 118-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night, head coach Jason Kidd provided TNT with an optimistic update on Kyrie Irving’s injury status.
Irving hadn’t played since New Year’s Day when he totaled 16 points and seven assists in a 108-102 loss against the Houston Rockets. He missed the following game due to illness and has remained sidelined since. His designation on the injury report changed from an illness to a lumbar sprain for the last two games, raising questions about when he will play next.
Addressing Irving’s ongoing back issue, Kidd told TNT before Tuesday’s game, “It is not long-term. We’re working on it. We’re positive the results will be good.”
This followed Kidd’s initial comments on Monday before the Mavericks’ 119-104 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. Just hours later, ESPN reported that Irving would miss at least one to two weeks while undergoing treatment to determine a more precise timetable for his return. The report described Irving’s injury as a bulging disc, contrasting the lumbar sprain designation on the injury report.
“He’s out. There’s nothing I can speculate or comment on,” Kidd said before Monday’s game. “As you know, it’s reported that he’s out for a week or two. Give me 48 hours to get that answer for you. I don’t know how. I can give you that answer. I don’t know how.”
Irving has been a crucial piece for Dallas this season, averaging 24.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds over 30 games. His absence places additional pressure on the Mavericks amid already dealing with Luka Dončić being sidelined due to a left calf strain, who must rely on contributions from their supporting cast to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Understanding the Complexity of Kyrie Irving’s Injury
Irving has a bulging disc in his back, which can significantly impact an athlete’s ability to perform. To better understand the nature of the injury and potential recovery timelines, DallasHoopsJournal.com consulted Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST). Robertson is a respected performance coach specializing in injury prevention and rehabilitation for elite athletes.
“So essentially, what ends up happening is you’ve got your vertebrae right, and then you have the discs that work as spacers in between,” Robertson explained. “In a healthy spine, everything is kind of in a good position, and there’s enough disc kit.”
Robertson noted that professional athletes are particularly prone to disc injuries due to the physical demands of their careers, combined with natural wear and tear over time.
“But you know, due to aging, wear and tear, a lot of athletes just have certain spinal positions that kind of predispose, and they wear down the disc,” Robertson added. “Then, essentially, what ends up happening is the contents of the disc end up pushing back into the nerves. And so now you get numbness, tingling, potentially even muscle weakness.”
These symptoms often extend beyond typical back pain, presenting significant challenges for players like Irving, whose game relies heavily on quickness and agility. According to Robertson, recovery from a bulging disc can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the athlete’s response to treatment.
“It’s really hard to put a timeline on these things,” Robertson explained. “It depends on how long they’ve dealt with it. It depends on how bad the symptoms are. Obviously, if you’ve got like numbness, tingling, or weakness, you know that those are harder symptoms to manage. … So it’s not like you’re just in pain – you’re physically not able to perform at your highest level.”
A Measured Approach to Recovery
Given the unpredictable nature of disc injuries, Robertson emphasized the importance of cautious management. Physical therapy, pain management, and symptom relief are key components of the recovery process, alongside efforts to maintain strength and prevent further aggravation.
“It could be a couple of weeks. It could be a couple of months,” Robertson said. “It really just depends on how bad it is and how much pain he’s willing to tolerate.”
This perspective aligns with Kidd’s cautious optimism. While the Mavericks are encouraged by Irving’s progress, they are committed to ensuring his long-term health and readiness for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead for the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks will look to build on their win against the Lakers as they continue their homestand against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. With Kidd’s assurance that Irving’s injury is “not long-term,” the team focuses on weathering this stretch and positioning itself for a strong playoff push once their stars return.
