The Los Angeles Lakers are 10-4 without LeBron James, but the 40-year-old forward is edging toward his season debut. After James completed his first full practice on Monday while recovering from sciatica, head coach JJ Redick explained the steps needed to fold the star back into a lineup that has leaned on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for playmaking.
“When a player who’s going to log about 35 minutes returns, it affects the rotation and guys’ rhythm,” Redick said. He noted that the trio of James, Doncic and Reaves built chemistry late last season, giving the staff a starting point, yet warned that the process might not be seamless and will require on-court experimentation.
Redick added that the coaching staff has made only minor tweaks to the playbook—“a couple of wrinkles and one new set”—leaving James comfortable with virtually every action the team runs. The veteran has been vocal in film sessions and practices throughout his rehabilitation.
Praising James as “very adaptable,” Redick pointed to the forward’s ability to adjust to teammates and evolving NBA styles across 23 seasons, including an All-NBA campaign last year.
James’ status for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Jazz remains uncertain. He will see how his body responds overnight before deciding, though he reported feeling good after Monday’s workout.
Source: Lakers Nation
