By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberLeBron James was sidelined through training camp, the preseason, and the first 14 regular‑season games with a right-sided sciatica nerve issue.
The Los Angeles Lakers used a measured ramp‑up that included on‑court work with their G‑League affiliate before clearing him for full team practice and a season debut on November 18 vs. the Utah Jazz.
James logged 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds in his debut against Utah, followed up by a 17-point, eight-assist performance against the Jazz on Sunday.
He played over 30 minutes in both games and helped the Lakers secure back-to-back wins.
On Tuesday, just hours before the Lakers tipped off against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that "sources close to James have insisted that he remains undecided" about whether the 2025-26 NBA season will be his last.
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James reportedly told McMenamin that "availability is very key" and that he tries to be "available as much as I can" as the leader of the team.
However, McMenamin also noted that "if James believes this could be his last season, he might feel even more responsibility to suit up for every game on what would then be a retirement tour."
Before the start of the season, James acknowledged that he’s near the end of a long career but declined to set a timetable.
At 12-4, Los Angeles sits third in the Western Conference and firmly one of the NBA's best teams through the first month of the season, most have which has been without James.
James opted into the final year of his deal for 2025-26, giving him financial security and leaving the door open to reassessment in the offseason.
Given James’ public caution and the report that he is undecided, a formal retirement announcement is unlikely before the season ends and may depend on whether the Lakers convert this momentum into a championship.
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