LeBron James Injury Update
LeBron James’s return for the 2025-2026 NBA season is gradually approaching as he recovers from a sciatica injury. The Lakers initially expected him to come back around mid-November, and that timeline remains in place.
Current Status and Timeline
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Lakers still anticipate LeBron James to make his season debut around mid-November. James, who will turn 41 next month, is playing in his 23rd NBA season, marking an unprecedented milestone.
“I was told today that Lakers personnel are still operating under the belief LeBron James’s debut will be around mid-November,” Charania said on ESPN NBA Countdown.
Team Performance Without LeBron
Despite James’s absence, the Lakers have started the season 6–2. Their strong start is thanks to the impressive performances of other key players:
- Luka Dončić is averaging 41.3 points over four games.
- Austin Reaves has averaged 31.1 points in seven games.
The depth Rob Pelinka built through offseason signings such as Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart is proving essential in navigating LeBron’s absence.
“That’s why Rob Pelinka’s three signings this offseason of 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,” Charania explained.
Recent Developments
LeBron James has recently been cleared to participate in contact basketball activities. The Lakers plan to re-evaluate his condition within one to two weeks to better assess his readiness to return.
> Charania reported Thursday morning: “LeBron James has been cleared for contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated by the franchise in one-to-two weeks.”
Author’s Summary
LeBron James’s mid-November return remains likely as he progresses with recovery, while the Lakers rely on strong contributions from their roster to maintain a solid season start.