Why isn't LeBron James playing today? Lakers fans get return timeline in new update
LeBron James did not play against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The 40-year-old NBA points leader is still waiting to make his highly anticipated debut in his 23rd season as he continues to recover from a persistent sciatica issue.
There is encouraging news for James and Los Angeles Lakers fans, as he appears to be nearing full fitness. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers remain confident that James will return to the court around mid-November, aligning with the initial timeline reported three weeks earlier.
“Lakers officials are still operating under the belief that James’s comeback is imminent,” Charania said on NBA Countdown, adding that this situation remains “uncharted territory” for a player approaching 41 and entering his 23rd NBA season.
Despite his absence, the Lakers have stayed competitive, opening the season with a 6–2 record, led by standout performances from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic has averaged 41.3 points per game in four appearances, while Reaves has added 31.1 points across seven games.
The team’s offseason additions—DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia—have been key to maintaining roster depth while James continues recovery. His next step will be participating in full-contact five-on-five practice, though he is expected to miss the Lakers’ upcoming five-game road trip.
Author’s Summary
LeBron James remains sidelined with sciatica but is expected to return by mid-November, giving Lakers fans renewed optimism after a strong team start.