LeBron James is set to make his season debut with the Los Angeles Lakers this Tuesday as they face the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN. The Lakers’ star missed 14 games after being diagnosed with sciatica, a painful condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, often linked to a herniated disc.
James sustained the injury during an on-court workout in late July or early August, and the Lakers have taken a cautious approach to his recovery. He also missed training camp due to hip soreness. Speaking on Monday about his condition, James said, “I got it two years ago. If you’ve had it, you know what it’s like. If you’ve never had it, people joke about it, but I hope you don’t get it. It’s not fun.”
Cleared for contact drills earlier this month, James gradually worked back into full basketball activities. He joined the Lakers’ first full practice and took part in five-on-five sessions with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He was officially moved back from the South Bay Lakers to the main Lakers team on Monday and practiced with them Tuesday night in preparation for his season return.
Approaching his 41st birthday in December, James continues to be a vital player for the Lakers. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, helping the team reach the playoffs for the third straight year, though they were eliminated in the first round. The Lakers have already played 14 games this season, ending James’ streak of playing at least 70 games for two consecutive seasons. Before joining the Lakers, he always played at least 62 games per season. Since coming to Los Angeles, he hasn’t played more than 60 games in three seasons, excluding the pandemic bubble.
Regardless of how many games James plays in the regular season, the Lakers need him in peak condition for the playoffs. Last postseason, he participated in all five games but suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5, which would have sidelined him for weeks if the Lakers had advanced.
In his absence this season, guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have led the Lakers to a 10-4 record. Doncic is averaging 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, while Reaves is averaging 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Fan Take: LeBron’s return is a huge boost not just for the Lakers but for the entire NBA, as his presence elevates the level of competition and excitement. Watching a player still performing at an elite level as he nears 41 shows that dedication and skill can redefine longevity in basketball.
