UPDATE: LeBron James has officially returned to the court after a 14-game absence due to a sciatica injury, marking a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Lakers. The superstar forward made his long-awaited debut during the 2025-2026 NBA season, helping propel the Lakers to a 12-4 record with two impressive performances against the Utah Jazz.
In his first game back on November 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, LeBron played nearly 30 minutes, contributing 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 57 percent from the field. Just two days later, he faced the Jazz again in Utah, scoring 17 points on 8 of 18 shooting, along with 8 assists and 6 rebounds in 34 minutes of play.
Despite the strong stats, James expressed concern about his conditioning, stating, “The four days [off] didn’t help it. I’m in great shape physically, but as far as my wind—it doesn’t help that my second game back is playing in Utah—the altitude doesn’t help, that’s for sure.” He emphasized that his recent games felt like a “training camp,” as he missed all of the preseason.
The Lakers dominated their first matchup against the Jazz, securing a decisive win, followed by a narrow two-point victory in the rematch. LeBron’s return is crucial for the team as they look to maintain momentum heading into their next challenge.
Looking ahead, LeBron will take a rest day on November 13, 2025, before returning to action against the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Cup on November 14. Fans are eager to see how quickly he can regain full form and continue to lead the Lakers to victory.
For ongoing updates and the latest NBA news, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports as the season progresses.
