LeBron James is back and set to make his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Before the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, it was revealed that James was battling a sciatica injury. While he admitted there was a bout with that setback before, it occurred during the offseason, when he had more time to rest. This time around, the timing made it difficult for LeBron to suit up in time for the beginning of the Lakers’ season.
On Tuesday, a home game against the Utah Jazz will be an opportunity for LeBron to get back out on the floor. While the Lakers are already well-aware of what the superstar forward brings to the table, he admitted there is a bit of an uphill challenge in front of him as he gets back into basketball shape.
“Obviously, my lungs feel like a newborn baby,” James told reporters on Monday afternoon, following a Lakers practice session. “That’s the most important thing. I got to get my lungs back up to a grown man, and my voice is already gone one day back, barking out calls and assignments and stuff, and getting my voice working again.”
April 30 was the last time LeBron took the court for the Lakers. It was a Game 5 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. He checked in for 40 minutes, scoring 22 points, and racking up seven rebounds and six assists.
The Lakers are already 14 games into their 2025-2026 campaign. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way, LA has found early success by posting a 10-4 record. When a player who demands high usage returns to a thriving team, there will always be questions about how they’ll fit—how can it work?
LeBron brushes off any concern there.
“I’m a ball player,” he told reporters. “Best thing about me and the way I built my game over my whole life, even in Little League, I’ve never had a position. [Erik Spoelstra] always said position-less basketball—be position-less. Not one team, one club in the world that I can’t fit in, and do everything on the floor. So whatever this team needs me to do, and where I can do it, when I’m back to myself.”
Last season, LeBron appeared in 70 games for the Lakers. He posted averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. He was an All-Star, All-NBA, and fell just outside of the top five for the league’s MVP race.
The Lakers might be facing a bit of an uphill battle at first, as LeBron works on getting back into basketball shape after so much time off from game action. But they won’t need to rush to rely on the superstar. Adding LeBron should be a massive boost for LA, but there could be a bit of a challenge at first, considering the circumstances.
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