LeBron James is almost back. According to Dave McMenamin on NBA Today, the Lakers star has entered the final stages of his recovery and is tracking toward making his season debut next week.
“He’s now in the mode of, if he continues to have this progression, he could get to practice with the Lakers on Monday when they return from this five-game road trip, and then there’s a game on Tuesday,” said McMenamin.
After missing the first 12 games of the year with a lingering sciatica injury, LeBron played in a five-on-five scrimmage with the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday, followed by full participation in Thursday’s practice. His body responded well to both sessions, and the team is hopeful he can rejoin practice next week.
“We’re in the timing now where we can be looking at the schedule next week and say, ‘Hey, that could be the game where we see LeBron James making his season debut,’” McMenamin added.
James, 40, will soon begin his historic 23rd season, and it couldn’t come at a better time for the Lakers. After a hot start early on, the team has come down to earth over the last few games. A blowout loss to the Thunder on Wednesday was a particularly humbling moment for the group and just one of many signs that this team has some serious problems.
At this stage of his career, LeBron cannot solve all of the Lakers’ issues, but his discipline, leadership, and playmaking will surely provide a boost for a squad that has struggled with consistency.
With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season, James provides a steady hand for the Lakers and he sets the tone defensively as a vocal leader on the floor. Best of all, he creates opportunities for Luka Doncic to shine and play up to his maximum potential.
This season, at 8-4, the Lakers have held their own without King James, but they will only get so far if he’s not making an impact for them. Fortunately, LeBron is aging like fine wine, and the Lakers are finally in a position where they can make it count.
With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers clearly have the pieces to make this a historic stretch in NBA history, and LeBron’s health will be a big factor in how it turns out.
Still, they will not rush him back before he’s ready. Now more than ever, James needs to take the cautious approach, and it could be why we have yet to see him this season.
The good news is, it won’t be much longer before he’s back in action. With just a few more games to go, he’ll be ready to make his season debut and continue his working partnership with Luka Doncic.
With LeBron James nearing his return, the Lakers are preparing to take the next step. If he looks like himself when he gets back, this team could finally unlock its true ceiling and become the force many expected coming into the season. For now, all eyes are on Tuesday.
