LeBron James Returns: Practices with Lakers, Ready to Play?

LeBron James Returns to the Courts: “One Step at a Time”

Lakers star LeBron James has returned to training with the team in a five-on-five practice, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. James’ return to action is imminent, according to his own statements.

“We’ve been taking it literally one minute, one hour, one step at a time throughout this whole process,” James stated.

LeBron James

Lakers coach JJ Redick indicated that James’ participation in Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz is uncertain. James missed all of the preseason and the first 14 games due to sciatica, which affected the lower part of his back and the right side of his body. This was the first time James practiced this season.

“It definitely sucks,” James said about the time he was out. “Never in my life, since I started playing basketball, have I stopped starting the season… It’s been a mental test, but I’m made for it and I’ve been working, both mentally and physically, trying to prepare myself to rejoin the team.”

LeBron James

James revealed that this is the second time he has dealt with sciatica, as he also suffered from it in the summer of 2023, and that overcoming it has been a challenge.

“If you’ve never had it, and people make jokes about it, I pray you never have it,” James said. “It’s not fun.”

LeBron James

The player added that the recovery has included exercises and mobility, maintaining a positive mindset. James pointed out that the last step to feeling fully recovered is to regain his physical condition.

“My lungs feel like those of a newborn,” James said. “That’s the most important thing. I have to get my lungs back as a grown man. I have no voice anymore. One day back, yelling plays and assignments, getting my voice back to work… There will be a lot of tea and rest tonight.”

LeBron James

The Lakers started the season with a 10-4 record and will now add a 21-time All-Star player to their rotation.

“We talked about it in the analysis, ‘Today we have a new player'”, Redick said. “Everyone was excited. He showed up”.

JJ Redick

For Austin Reaves and many others on the team, the introduction wasn’t necessary.

“In my opinion, he’s the best player who has ever touched basketball,” Reaves said. “And I guarantee you that if you ask almost our entire team, many of the young players would say he’s their favorite player. So his presence, his ability to lift a team and, obviously, his intelligence [are welcome]. It’s simply good that he’s back.”

Austin Reaves