LeBron James Injury Update: Lakers Star Nearing Return
The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2025–26 season with an impressive 6–2 record, led by five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Dončić and rising star Austin Reaves. Despite the strong start, they have been without 21-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion LeBron James, who has missed the beginning of the season due to a sciatica diagnosis suffered in the preseason.
Now 40 years old and entering his 23rd NBA season, James appears to be steadily recovering, with encouraging signs of a possible return soon.
Positive Signs Toward Comeback
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, James has been showing solid progress in his rehabilitation and is close to resuming full on-court participation.
“LeBron James has been working out individually, and I'm told the next step for him is 5‑on‑5, live play,” Charania said on NBA Countdown with Malika Andrews.
“I was told today that Lakers personnel are still operating under the belief that LeBron James' debut will be around mid‑November, but this is uncharted territory.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s offseason acquisitions—Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart—have played key roles in maintaining the team’s depth and competitiveness during James’s absence.
Outlook for the Lakers
With James nearing a return and the new roster performing well, Los Angeles is in a strong position to build momentum as the season continues.
Author’s summary: LeBron James is recovering steadily from his preseason sciatica injury and is expected to make his 2025–26 debut for the Lakers around mid-November.