The Los Angeles Lakers are having a decent season so far, all without LeBron James. Luka Dončić is a primary reason behind the Lakers’ success so far. The Slovenian currently leads the team in average points, assists, and blocks. That speaks volumes about the former Dallas Mavericks star’s impact on the team.
Now, ‘King James’ is set to return to the roster after a long 14-game absence. Since the Lakers’ training camp opened, James has been sidelined due to a sciatica injury. He is yet to make his 2025-26 season debut. The Lakers have won 10 games and lost four in his absence.
Will LeBron James Play Against the Jazz?
James has been one of the best players in the league since exploding onto the scene in 2003. He has managed to average more than 20 points per season, even during the last few years, which is still impressive considering his age. Now, at 40 years old, he has still managed to make a recovery within a few months and return to the court.
ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that James was assigned to the Lakers’ G League team, South Bay Lakers. Although he didn’t take part in a G League game, the NBA legend was still involved in the team’s practice session.
Another interesting point to mention is that while James was assigned to the G League team, his son, Bronny, was racking up minutes for the Lakers’ NBA team. That must have surely been an interesting point to note for the James family.
Lakers’ LeBron James has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Jazz, an indication he hopes to make his season debut. James is motivated and eager to return to action, and said at practice Monday that he is monitoring his body around the clock.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 18, 2025
As for the superstar’s status, he is itching to face the Utah Jazz tonight, after missing 14 games this season. Whether he is at a 100% remains to be seen. But it looks like the legend still has some ‘boxes to check’ before the decision is made by the team to play him.
The Lakers will have a much better team, and it will be interesting to see how JJ Redick lines them up. James has assured the team that he is ready to take on any role now that the team has a different look.
Either Dončić or James will be the primary scoring option, and their combination will surely be a treat to watch after their postseason journey was cut short last season.
