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The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten out to an impressive 6-2 start with 5-time All-NBA First Team selection Luka Dončić and likely All-Star Austin Reaves at the helm in 2025-26.
Los Angeles' 21-time All-Star and 4-time NBA champion LeBron James has yet to make his season debut due to a devastating preseason sciatica diagnosis, but the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer appears to be trending in the right direction with regard to a potential return in the near future.
According to a new update from ESPN's Shams Charania, James has been progressing well towards a return to on-court action.
"LeBron James has been working out individually, and I'm told (that) the next step for him is 5-on-5, live play," Charania shared during an appearance on ESPN's NBA Countdown with Malika Andrews on Wednesday.
"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."
"He turns 41 next month, he's in his 23rd NBA season and that's why Rob Pelinka's three signings (from) this offseason, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart have been so important paying dividends with the depth without one of the best players of all time in LeBron James."
Though his return might not take place for a few more weeks, the Lakers could begin to breathe a sigh of relief now that they have a more clear vision of when he can make his highly-anticipated season debut.
In 70 appearances for Los Angeles in 2024-25, James notched an All-NBA Second Team selection and placed sixth in MVP voting by averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds on a solid 57.1% effective field goal percentage.
Heading into his 23rd NBA season, the legendary forward has showed no signs of slowing down and will be aiming to substantially boost the Lakers' championship odds once he rejoins Dončić and Reaves.
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