The King is nearing his return.
LeBron James, who has missed each of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 11 games to start the NBA season, is practicing with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’ G League affiliate. Coach JJ Redick said Tuesday, Nov. 11 that James would be with South Bay during the week, as the Lakers are in the middle of a five-game road trip; James is not expected to play in any G League game.
James, 40, has been dealing with a sciatica issue that also robbed him of practice time during training camp and the preseason.
The Lakers had cleared James for con-court activity Thursday, Nov. 6, but the team intentionally did not put a firm timetable on James’ return, opting instead to provide updates.
Although the team hasn’t provided the date of James’ return, Redick has hinted that James is unlikely to join the team during the road trip, which concludes Saturday, Nov. 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
That means that James might be in line to make his debut Tuesday, Nov. 18, when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz.
When James does make his debut, he will set an NBA record just by being on the floor; he will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons, surpassing the current tie he holds with Hall of Fame guard Vince Carter.
James, a 21-time All-Star and four-time Most Valuable Player, has remained one of the best players in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds.
Los Angeles has started the season well, going 8-3 behind stellar performances from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Key role players like Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia have also pitched in.
James will instantly solidify the Lakers’ front court and provides yet another ball handler with premier passing ability.