ESPN's Shams Charania is reporting that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is aiming to make his season debut tonight against the Utah Jazz in Los Angeles.
"Sources tell me LeBron James is aiming and wants to make his season debut tonight at home against the Utah Jazz. I'm told he will go through his normal pregame routine on game day...so he still has some boxes to check before he starts his record 23rd NBA season," Sharania told ESPN's Malika Andrews.
"But my understanding is LeBron James is itching to get back out on the court potentially tonight. He's motivated and eager to join a surging Lakers team. They're not gonna do anything to risk anything short-term happening pregame. But his goal when he enters Crypto.com Arena tonight is to get back out on the floor and play in tonight's game."
LeBron James to make league history if he debuts tonight
As Charania mentioned, James would be the first player in NBA history to start in 23 consecutive NBA seasons. An absolutely astounding achievement and just another chapter in one of the most storied sports careers of all time.
The Lakers will likely ease LeBron back into action, not looking to play the 40-year-old heavy minutes after returning from sciatica.
James' long-term health will be pivotal for Los Angeles. With their eyes set on competing for a championship, they'll need to make sure their three stars, James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, are all ready for a deep postseason run.
It starts tonight against Utah, with James likely to make his 2025-26 debut.
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