TITLE: LeBron James completes full practice; Lakers will decide within 24 hours on Tuesday return
SLUG: lebron-james-practices-lakers-eye-tuesday-return
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James took part in a full team workout Monday for the first time since a bout of sciatica sidelined him before training camp, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to determine over the next 24 hours whether he will make his season debut Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.
The 40-year-old forward would become the first player in NBA history to appear in a 23rd season if he is cleared to play.
“Just trying to get back to where I feel like myself again,” James told reporters after practice, according to the Associated Press. “Got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.”
James had not practiced with the Lakers since the sciatica flared up, forcing him to miss the season opener for the first time in his career. He recently logged two workout sessions with the South Bay Lakers of the G League before joining the main roster Monday.
Conditioning remains a concern. “My lungs feel like a newborn baby,” he joked. “I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man. My voice is already gone after one day barking out calls.”
The four-time MVP said the nerve issue initially surfaced two offseasons ago and worsened this summer while he was still rehabbing a knee sprain suffered in last year’s playoff loss to Minnesota. Asked whether he is pain-free, he replied, “I wouldn’t go that far,” noting that sciatica can be unpredictable day to day.
Head coach JJ Redick said Monday marked the first time this season all 14 roster players were available for practice. He expects Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura to play against Utah, while James and guard Gabe Vincent will be evaluated Tuesday morning.
Los Angeles enters the game 10-4 despite frequent absences among rotation players. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have led the offense, and newly acquired center Deandre Ayton has provided stability inside.
James said he is eager to rejoin the lineup, even if he doesn’t miss the travel. “I’m about to be 41 years old,” he said. “But I do miss the competition.” As for fitting in, the veteran likened the process to “a kid going to a new school,” adding that he plans to ease back in “organically.”
Source: Hoops Wire
