NBA
Barring a setback, Lakers’ LeBron James is expected to make his ’25-’26 season debut on Tuesday
Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL expert who's been betting on the league for over three years now. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. His passion in life is watching sports and being able to share that through his sports writing. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years like Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAP into South Plainfield. Before he became an NBA News Writer, Wolpin attended Montclair State University where he graduated in 2021. He studied Sports Media and Writing while in school.
All posts by Zach WolpinUpdated3 hours ago on November 18, 2025
After a 119-95 win vs. Milwaukee over the weekend, the Lakers are 10-4 to begin the season. The team is 8-2 in their last 10 games. Los Angeles has been without LeBron James’ production.
The 40-year-old has been dealing with sciatica on his right side. This forced James to miss the traning camp and the entire preseason for the Lakers. On top of that, the 21-time all-star has missed Los Angeles’ first 14 games of the 2025-26 season. Ahead of their game on Tuesday, NBA insiders gave a positive update on LeBron James. Barring a setback, James is expected to make his season debut against the Jazz.
LeBron James will be back in action on Tuesday night vs. the Jazz
Lakers’ LeBron James has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Jazz, an indication he hopes to make his season debut. James is motivated and eager to return to action, and said at practice Monday that he is monitoring his body around the clock.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 18, 2025
When LeBron James steps on the court for Tuesday’s game, he’ll set another NBA record. He’ll break a tie with Vince Carter as he enters his 23rd season of professional basketball. LeBron is 40 years old and will turn 41 before New Year’s. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer missed traning camp and the entire preseason due to injury. Jaemes was dealing with sciatica on his right side. Despite missing the first 14 games, LeBron James is on the verge of returning.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that James is expected to return on Tuesday night vs. the Jazz. LeBron was sent to the Lakers’ G League affiliate to get some practice in. He had multiple practices without experiencing pain. A step in the right direction for his recovery. Additionally, James was a full participant in the Lakers’ practice session on Monday. Los Angeles is back home on Tuesday after a five-game road trip.
LeBron James is coming off back-to-back seasons starting at least 70 games for the Lakers. He’s set to enter an unprecedented year 23. The 40-year-old spends millions of dollars each year on his recovery. It’s unknown how much longer James will play. This season was the first time in his career that he missed opening night. Los Angeles wants to capitalize on the championship window they have with LeBron and Luka Doncic on the same roster. Gabe Vincent has been out for the Lakers sicne late October with an ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable on Tuesday night vs. the Jazz.
