When will LeBron James return to the Lakers? NBA Insider reveals details about the 4x champion’s potential return to injury

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James did not play this season and missed the entire preseason and training camp due to a sciatica injury on his right side. With James’ injury being re-evaluated this week, league insider Dave McMenamin reports that the four-time NBA champion is on the right track in his recovery.

On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, McMenamin said:

“I’ve been told that we still have about three more weeks before he’s targeted to return sometime in mid-November. Now, multiple sources have told me over the past few days that his rehab process and the whole process of getting back to a return date is going in the right direction.”

McMenamin added that the Lakers are in no rush to get James back into the lineup as they have their eyes on a deep playoff run.

“This team wants to be able to make some noise in the postseason, so do everything you can now to make sure that LeBron James’ body, Luka Doncic’s body, etc., at the bottom of the list, are ready to play when it really matters,” McMenamin said.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on October 9 that a re-evaluation of James’ injury is scheduled for three weeks later, which will occur on Thursday. The 21-time NBA All-Star was initially expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

James is set to appear in the 23rd season of the NBA, breaking a tie with Vince Carter for the longest career streak in history. In 70 games last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game on 51.3% shooting, including 37.6% from 3-point range.

The Lakers will have to rely on their supporting cast while waiting for LeBron James to return

With LeBron James not expected to return for another two weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to rely on Luka Doncic to lead the team. However, Doncic also has a sprained left index finger and bruises on his lower left leg. The five-time NBA star is expected to miss at least one week.

Without his two stars, Austin Reaves rose to the occasion on Sunday, leading Los Angeles to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings with 51 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura also stepped up, scoring 22 and 18 points, respectively.

Reeves has proven he can be the No. 1 option while James and Doncic recover. If the rest of the Lakers can contribute, the team could be in a strong position in the crowded Western Conference when LeBron James returns next month.

The Lakers will next face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, for the second straight game.