LeBron James Returns to Lakers Practice as Season Debut Approaches

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James returned to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday for the first time this season, as he nears a possible debut after recovering from a sciatica flare-up.

James had been sidelined since training camp, missing all preseason and the first 14 games of the season due to back issues. He was listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz, pending his response after the team’s shootaround.

“We’ve been taking it literally one minute, one hour, one step at a time throughout this whole process,” James said. He expressed eagerness to rejoin his teammates, adding that he is monitoring his body closely.

Coach JJ Redick stated that while there is still no official timeline for James’ return, the team is excited about the possibility. “I know he’s itching to play,” Redick said. “We’ve got to see how he feels tomorrow morning.”

James acknowledged his conditioning is not where it needs to be, humorously noting, “As expected, my lungs feel like a newborn baby. I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man.”

This injury is not new for James, who revealed he dealt with sciatica two years ago during the offseason. He emphasized the difficulty of the condition, saying, “If you’ve ever had it… I pray you never get it. It’s not fun.”

The Lakers currently hold a strong 10-4 record this season and have developed good team chemistry despite James’ absence. Players like Austin Reaves have stepped up, averaging 28.3 points per game, and are eager to have James back on the court.

Reaves commented on James’ presence in practice, stating, “He’s the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, so good things will happen when he’s around.”

As the Lakers prepare to face the Jazz, James looks forward to returning to competitive play, recognizing that integrating back into the team will require adjustment. “It’s kind of like a kid going to a new school — you’ve got to learn the guys again,” he said. His potential return could significantly impact the team as they aim for a strong season.