The Los Angeles Lakers have been without all-time great NBA superstar LeBron James for the entirety of the 2025-26 season so far.
James has been sidelined for the first 14 games of the year with sciatica on his right side. But ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz, the 40-year-old forward plans to make his historic season debut.
If James takes the court as expected, he’ll become the first player in NBA history to play in his 23rd season.
“Sources tell me LeBron James is aiming and wants to make his season debut tonight at home against the Utah Jazz,” ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday. “I’m told he will go through his normal pregame routine on game day…. He still has some boxes to check before he starts his record 23rd NBA season, but my understanding is that LeBron James is itching to get back on the court potentially tonight. He’s motivated to join a surging Lakers team. They’re not going to do anything to risk anything short-term happening pregame. But his goal when he enters Crytpo.com Arena tonight is to take the floor and play in tonight’s game.”
The Lakers are 10-4 to open the 2025-26 NBA season, winning each of their last two games. With James out, Los Angeles is led by recent addition Luka Doncic — who’s averaging 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. Austin Reaves has also been excellent, recording 28.3 points per contest.
Through 70 games in his 22nd NBA season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game — shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from behind the 3-point arc.
James returned to practice on Monday and was upgraded to questionable for Tuesday night’s game.
“Just trying to get back to where I feel like myself again,” James said after his return to the practice court. “Got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.”
Tuesday night’s matchup against the Jazz will tipoff at 10:30 p.m. ET.
