LeBron James hasn’t appeared in a contest with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
The 40-year-old superstar was diagnosed with sciatica shortly before the start of the 2025-26 campaign, forcing the Lakers to take the floor without their pivotal do-it-all contributor early on.
Fortunately, a recent report indicates that James is inching closer to making his season debut with the 17-time NBA champions.
“JJ Redick noted today was the first time the Lakers have had all 14 players available for practice this season,” Lakers Insider Jovan Buha reported Monday.
“LeBron James and Gabe Vincent are ‘TBD’ for tomorrow vs. Utah. Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are expected to be back.”
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James’ status’ for the Lakers’ upcoming Western Conference battle has changed for the better.
“Lakers’ LeBron James has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Jazz, an indication he hopes to make his season debut,” Charania wrote on X/Twitter.
“James is motivated and eager to return to action, and said at practice Monday that he is monitoring his body around the clock.”
Even at age 40, James can still positively impact games on the offensive end thanks to his next-level IQ, ambidextrous passing, and killer instinct late in games.
The four-time NBA champion averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game with the Lakers last season, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point land.
It may take James a few games to shake off the rust that comes with from being away from the hardwood for a month.
However, it shouldn’t take too long for arguably the best player of all time to find his rhythm alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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Caleb Hightower is a graduate of Hofstra University who can write about any sport, but he has a particular passion for basketball – specifically college and NBA. He has written for publications such as FanBuzz and Busting Brackets since graduating.