After a busy offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers hope their new additions provide enough depth behind LeBron James and Luka Dončić to make them contenders again.
Even with that optimism, Los Angeles still hasn’t gotten a complete look at its revamped roster.
Injuries to Dončić and guard Austin Reaves, who has been outstanding when available, have disrupted the rotation, while James has yet to play a game this year.
When Will LeBron James Make His 2025-26 NBA Season Debut?
James has been recovering from sciatica, which he suffered before the season, and has missed every game so far.
Nevertheless, the Lakers, despite other minor issues and the absence of James, have started 10-4, the fourth-best mark in the Western Conference.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James could return as soon as Tuesday, with Sunday or the following Tuesday also possible, depending on his recovery.
Shams: LeBron James (sciatica) could make season debut on “Tuesday, Sunday, or next Tuesday.”
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 17, 2025
“LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “James completed multiple days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions this week in the G League and his debut is nearing.”
James practiced on Monday. Asked how his first day back went, James said, “As expected. Obviously, my lungs feel like a new-born baby, that’s the most important thing. I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man and my voice is already gone. One day barking out calls and assignments and stuff and getting my voice working again so it will be a lot of tea and rest tonight.”
“Yeah, it feels good, it feels good to be out here with the guys. I missed them.”
When asked about a specific timetable, James said he needs to evaluate how he feels tonight, in the morning, and at shootaround. He emphasized that he will monitor how his body responds over the next 24 hours before making a final decision on playing.
The Lakers host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night before a lengthy break. They’ll then face the Jazz again in Utah on Sunday evening, followed by a home matchup against the cross-town rival Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
James is expected to join Dončić, Reaves, and the rest of the Lakers’ core, which now includes three key newcomers: center Deandre Ayton, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, and sharpshooter Jake LaRavia.
James, who is set to begin his 22nd NBA season, averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game last year.
