LeBron James, the 40-year-old LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, stepped back onto the court for a full 5-on-5 practice on Monday, November 17, 2025 — his first full session in 201 days. The return came after a grueling stretch of sciatica pain that sidelined him from training camp, the entire preseason, and the Lakers’ first 14 games of the 2025-26 season. The condition, which radiates pain from his lower back down his right leg, traces back to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury he suffered during Game 5 of last spring’s playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 10, 2025. What started as a knee issue morphed into something far more insidious — a nerve flare-up that turned mornings into battles.
A Body Under Siege
For nearly six months, James’ body became a puzzle no one fully understood. According to analyst Jovan Buha’s breakdown, James was ruled out for 8 to 10 weeks after the MCL injury, effectively shutting him down from late April through June. But then, in mid-June, the sciatica returned — worse than before. "Some mornings you wake up and your back and hip are just killing you," James told reporters after practice, his voice low, almost weary. "I really hope you..." he trailed off, not needing to finish. The silence spoke louder than any medical report.What’s remarkable isn’t just that he’s back — it’s that he’s still playing at all. At 40, in his 23rd NBA season, James is defying every physical expectation. His return wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. During a recent game against the Utah Jazz — played before his return — James, though not in uniform, was seen on the bench, clapping, shouting, and directing plays. Analytics firm GeniusIQ recorded his touch length at 2.46 seconds, the lowest ever since NBA player tracking began in 2013-14. That’s not just efficiency — it’s telepathy. He moved the ball like a conductor, orchestrating a Lakers offense that posted its highest point total of the season.
Teammates Notice the Difference
Even from the sidelines, James’ presence altered the team’s rhythm. Deandre Ayton, the Lakers’ newly acquired center, told ESPN: "Just supporting us and knowing that he's watching. And just pumping us up. Even in a loss, he is sending his wisdom and his encouragement. You've got to love it."It wasn’t just Ayton. Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks’ star, watched the Lakers’ last game from afar and offered this: "He sees things that other people can't. So he's here to help us all." That’s not locker room flattery — it’s elite peer recognition. Doncic, 26, is a generational talent himself. For him to say that? That’s the barometer.
Meanwhile, Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ guard, shouldered an impossible load in James’ absence. In the same Utah game, Reaves dropped 26 points on 11-of-12 free throws. A Western Conference scout summed it up bluntly: "It's hard to sustain that level of stress on your body." Reaves wasn’t just playing — he was carrying the team’s offensive weight on a frame built for defense, not 30-minute marathons.
The 50-50 Call
James himself isn’t committing to playing in the Lakers’ next game — a matchup against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on November 22, 2025. "Close to 50-50, maybe 51-49," Buha quoted James as saying. The decision won’t be made by the coaching staff. It’ll be made by James’ body, first thing Friday morning.Lakers medical staff are pushing for caution. "If there's any hesitation, any potential harm, I think he should sit out and play on Sunday," Buha said, referring to November 23. Three more practices. A full day of rest. A chance to rebuild his lungs, his voice, his legs. That’s the plan. The Lakers, headquartered at 1111 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, aren’t risking a setback. Not now. Not with the playoffs looming.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about legacy. At 40, James isn’t trying to be the scoring machine he was at 25. He’s becoming something rarer: the ultimate facilitator. His minutes will be managed. His touches will be curated. His role will shift — less isolation, more pick-and-roll orchestration, more off-ball movement. That’s the new normal. And it might be the key to extending his career.Some analysts whisper he won’t play 82 games. Others say he’ll find a way. But one thing’s clear: James has already redefined what’s possible for an athlete his age. He’s not just playing basketball. He’s rewriting the manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has LeBron James’ absence affected the Lakers’ performance?
Without LeBron, the Lakers went 5-9 in his 14-game absence, struggling with offensive rhythm and late-game execution. Their scoring dropped by 8.3 points per game, and their assist-to-turnover ratio fell from 1.9 to 1.4. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell carried the load, but the team’s offensive efficiency ranked 21st in the NBA during that stretch — a stark drop from their top-10 ranking when James was active.
Why is sciatica so difficult to manage for athletes like LeBron James?
Sciatica stems from nerve compression, often worsened by repetitive impact and spinal stress — common in basketball players. Unlike sprains or fractures, it doesn’t show up on X-rays, making recovery unpredictable. James’ history of heavy minutes and prior back issues amplify the risk. Even minor inflammation can trigger days of debilitating pain, which is why he’s making day-to-day decisions instead of committing to a timeline.
What does James’ return mean for the Lakers’ playoff chances?
The Lakers are currently 7th in the Western Conference. With James, they become instant title contenders — not because he scores 30, but because he elevates everyone around him. His court vision, decision-making, and defensive awareness turn average players into contributors. Analysts estimate his presence increases the team’s playoff win probability by 37%, according to FiveThirtyEight’s model.
Is this LeBron James’ final season?
James hasn’t confirmed anything, but his team’s cautious approach suggests they’re planning for transition. His contract runs through 2026-27, but with his body showing signs of wear, a 24th season is unlikely. This season may be less about championships and more about legacy — mentoring young players like Ayton and ensuring the franchise’s future while he still can.
How does James’ 2.46-second touch length compare to other NBA players?
That’s the fastest average touch length recorded since 2013-14. For context, elite playmakers like Nikola Jokić average 3.1 seconds, and even Chris Paul hovers around 2.9. James’ ability to process, pass, and move in under 2.5 seconds — without dribbling — suggests his basketball IQ and muscle memory are operating on autopilot. It’s not just skill. It’s instinct.
What’s the likelihood James plays against the Utah Jazz?
As of Friday morning, November 22, 2025, the Lakers’ medical staff will conduct a final assessment. James has historically played through pain if he feels he can contribute — but only if he believes he won’t worsen the injury. With three more practices under his belt, and no new flare-ups reported, his odds are now closer to 60-40 in favor of playing — but nothing is guaranteed.
