Lakers’ LeBron James to make season debut, set for another NBA record

LeBron James is officially back.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that James will make his season debut tonight against the Jazz, capping a long rehab from the nerve issue — sciatica on his right side — that wiped out his training camp, his preseason and the Lakers’ first 14 games.

James had been ramping up with South Bay of the G League, going through multiple full-contact practices and five-on-five work with no setbacks.

The Lakers recalled him earlier this week, and Monday marked his first practice with the big club this season.

This return lines up with the mid-November timeline reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania last month. When James checks in tonight, he’ll set yet another record by becoming the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season.

And he’ll join a Lakers team that has held up surprisingly well without him. Los Angeles enters the night at 10-4, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves carrying the scoring load, and new center Deandre Ayton giving them a lift inside.

James was still elite last season — 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds on .513 shooting — but the year ended with a first-round exit and an MCL sprain. He opted into his $52.6 million player option over the summer and holds a no-trade clause. He can become a free agent in 2026.

He also faces the 65-game rule, meaning his NBA-record streak of 21 straight All-NBA selections is in jeopardy. But for now, the focus shifts back to basketball.

LeBron is suiting up again. Tonight, the Lakers get their franchise face back.