Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will play his first game of the 2025-26 season Tuesday night when the team faces the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, according to multiple reports.
The 40-year-old star had been sidelined since training camp with right sciatica, a nerve issue in his back. The Lakers had projected a mid-November return, and Tuesday’s appearance falls squarely within that timeline. James resumed on-court work with the South Bay Lakers during the club’s recent five-game road swing and completed his first full practice with the NBA roster on Monday.
Head coach JJ Redick will also regain guard Gabe Vincent, who missed 11 games because of a left ankle sprain. With Marcus Smart (illness) and Rui Hachimura (left calf soreness) cleared after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers expect to have their complete 14-man roster available for the first time this season.
When James steps on the court, he will become the first player in NBA history to compete in a 23rd season. Last year he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists, earned All-NBA Second Team honors and placed sixth in MVP voting.
Redick’s immediate task is integrating James alongside a backcourt led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both off to strong starts. The return of Vincent, Smart and Hachimura will further test the rotation, potentially squeezing minutes for forward Dalton Knecht, who has impressed in recent games.
Reaves said Monday he expects James’s basketball IQ to accelerate the adjustment period, although he acknowledged that the group may need “a little time” to mesh.
The Lakers enter Tuesday’s matchup with Utah having won five of their last six games.
Source: Lakers Nation
