LeBron James’ Honest Take Highlights Challenge of Late Debut

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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LeBron James is in unfamiliar territory. The Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar didn’t begin the new season on the court, and he missed 14 games in a row before finally making his debut.

Not only will LeBron go down as one of the greatest players who had longevity in the NBA, but he also managed to stay quite healthy throughout his career, typically avoiding major setbacks.

Before the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, LeBron was revealed to be dealing with a sciatica injury. The NBA world knew he would miss several weeks of action before the Lakers tipped off the new year. At last, LeBron made his way back with two appearances against the Utah Jazz. While he’s physically on the court, producing for the surging Lakers, the superstar forward was candid about his current conditioning.

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“The four days [off] didn’t help it. I mean, practiced a couple of times, we had a couple of scrimmages, but the only way to get back in basketball shape is to be playing basketball games,” James told reporters after Sunday’s game against the Jazz. “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.”

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In his first game back, which took place in Los Angeles, LeBron checked in for just under 30 minutes against the Jazz. He got his feet wet with 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds, while shooting 57 percent from the field.

During his stop in Utah, James shot 8-18 from the field to score 17 points in 34 minutes. He also dished out eight assists, and collected six rebounds, and one steal.

“Every game I’ll get better and better,” he added. “This week was kind of like my training camp, to be honest. I didn’t have an opportunity to play for the guys at all, throughout camp and throughout the preseason. So, I’m still working my way back.”

The Lakers dominated the Jazz in LeBron’s first game back, and squeezed out a two-point win against Utah in the rematch on Sunday. With that win, LA advanced to 12-4 on the year. LeBron James will get a rest day on Monday before returning to the court for NBA Cup action against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

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