LeBron James is set for a highly anticipated season debut against the Utah Jazz. This upcoming game on Tuesday marks the start of his remarkable 23rd season in the NBA, a league record.
Injury Recovery and Comeback
The 40-year-old Lakers star has been sidelined due to sciatica, a nerve issue affecting his lower back. He missed the first 14 games of the season but has now returned to practice with the team.
James rejoined his teammates for a full 5-on-5 practice on Monday. This was his first time playing in this capacity since the Lakers’ playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in April. To facilitate his recovery, he participated in a rehabilitation assignment with the G League’s South Bay Lakers last week.
Player Statistics and Milestones
As LeBron prepares for his debut, he also stands on the cusp of several significant career milestones:
- 50 games behind Robert Parish for the all-time lead in games played.
- 508 assists shy of Jason Kidd for third place on the all-time assists list.
- One 3-pointer away from surpassing Reggie Miller for sixth in all-time three-pointers.
His return to the court has been welcomed not only by fans but also by teammates who have missed his leadership and skill. The Lakers look forward to his impact as they continue their season.
