When Will LeBron James Return For Lakers? NBA Insider Drops Details On 4x Champ's Potential Injury Comeback

LA Lakers star LeBron James has not played this season and has missed the entire preseason and training camp due to sciatica on his right side. With James' injury re-evaluation set this week, league insider Dave McMenamin reported that the four-time NBA champion is on track in his recovery.

On Monday's episode of ESPN's "NBA Today," McMenamin said:

"I’m told that we’re still in the range of about three more weeks before he would be targeting a return sometime in mid-November. Now, I have been told by multiple sources over the last several days that his rehab and all of the process to get back to that return date is moving in the right direction."

McMenamin added that the Lakers are in no rush to get James back in the lineup as they have their eyes set on a deep playoff run.

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"This team wants to be able to make some noise in the postseason, so do whatever you can now to make sure LeBron James’ body, Luka Doncic’s body, et cetera, right on down the roster is ready to play when it really matters," McMenamin said.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Oct. 9 that the reassessment of James' injury is scheduled after three weeks, which will fall on Thursday. The 21-time NBA All-Star was initially expected to be sidelined between three and four weeks.

James is set to appear in an NBA-record 23rd season, breaking a tie with Vince Carter for the longest career in history. In 70 games last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game on 51.3% shooting, including 37.6% from 3-point range.

The Lakers will have to rely on their supporting cast while awaiting LeBron James' return

With LeBron James' return not expected for another two-plus weeks, the LA Lakers will have to rely on Luka Doncic to lead the team. However, Doncic is also dealing with a sprained left finger and bruised lower left leg. The five-time NBA All-Star is expected to miss at least one week.

Without their two superstars, Austin Reaves rose to the occasion on Sunday, leading LA's 127-120 win over the Sacramento Kings with 51 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura also stepped up, scoring 22 and 18 points, respectively.

Reaves has proven that he can be the No. 1 option while James and Doncic recover. If the rest of the Lakers' supporting cast can contribute, the team could be in a solid position in a loaded Western Conference when LeBron James returns next month.

The Lakers will next face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, the second game of a back-to-back.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos