LeBron’s Return Looms as Reaves and Doncic Spark Lakers to Stunning Victory Over Pelicans

LeBron James is inching closer to making his anticipated return from an injury that has kept Lakers fans on edge during a rocky five-game stretch. This isn’t just any return—it’s the potential tipping point for a Lakers squad that’s been inconsistent, to say the least, lately. Before their recent 118-104 victory over the Pelicans, Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared that King James, nagged by sciatica, took part in an individual workout after grinding through back-to-back five-on-five sessions with the South Bay Lakers. The timing couldn’t be juicier; with the road trip wrapping up against Milwaukee and James slated to hit practice on Monday, all signs point to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer possibly stepping back onto the hardwood for his record 23rd season on Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena. The big question on everyone’s lips? How will the soon-to-be 41-year-old legend mesh with the current Lakers core, featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves orchestrating the offense? The anticipation is palpable—this week could reshape the Lakers’ trajectory in spectacular fashion. LEARN MORE

LeBron James is making progress in his return from injury, and that’s a good sign for a Lakers team that has performed unevenly over a five-game trip.

Before the Lakers’ 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers coach JJ Redick said James, who has been dealing with sciatica, took part in an individual workout on Friday following consecutive days of five-on-five practice with the South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers finish their trip against Milwaukee on Saturday night. James will then practice with the Lakers on Monday. If all goes well, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer could make his season debut and start his league-record 23rd season Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena.

When he does return, how will James, who turns 41 next month, adjust to the chemistry the Lakers have established with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the center of the offense?

“I’ve certainly thought about it,” Redick said about how James’ return will affect the team. “The reality is, next week will be a great week for all of us to assess where we’re at and figure out what we want to work on. It’s rare that you have one game over the course of a week, so probably will think about it more then. But typically when you’re playing every other day, you’re using your time until 3 a.m. to review the game that you just played and then using the time the next day until 3 a.m. to get ready for the next game.”

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.

Lakers players don’t think James’ return will cause any issues.

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Jarred Vanderbilt said James “can bring an element that we need, essentially, knowing that he can provide that.”

“I know it’s probably tough,” Vanderbilt said. “But even just the integration, trying to integrate himself as a player, as a team midseason is kind of tough. But we’re excited for his return, whenever he comes back, and I know he can provide exactly what we need for this team.”

Reaves led the way against the Pelicans, finishing with 31 points and seven assists as the Lakers (9-4) improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup play.

Doncic scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half and finished with 12 assists and seven rebounds.

Deandre Ayton was a force for the Lakers inside with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans (2-10) with 35 points and six rebounds.

Etc.

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, who has been out all season recovering from left knee surgery, was activated, but did not play against Pelicans. Redick said he hopes to give Thiero some playing time against the Bucks.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.