After missing the first 14 games of the 2025-26 NBA season due to sciatica, Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James returned to game action against the Utah Jazz earlier this week. James played 30 minutes in his season debut and tallied 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in the contest.
The Lakers had four full days of rest following that game against Utah, which was good for James and his recovery. L.A. Is set to face off against the Jazz again on Sunday night, and James is expected to be out in the court with his teammates.
LeBron James to play second game of the season vs. Jazz on Sunday night
James is not listed on the official injury report for the game against Utah, which indicates that he’ll be available for the contest. In fact, the only Lakers players listed on the injury report are Bronny James and Adou Thiero, who are both ruled out for the game because of G League assignments.
The Lakers will look to secure a fourth consecutive win when they take the floor on Sunday night. James' availability should certainly help their cause. Meanwhile. The Jazz will look to avoid a third straight loss.
Though it took him a while to get his wind back, which was to be expected after a long layoff, James felt pretty good about his performance in his season debut.
“Wind was a little shaky to begin,” James said. “Obviously that was expected, but as the game went on and on, my wind got a lot better. I caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back, obviously. First game in quite a while, almost seven months. Everything that happened tonight was as expected."
James said that Utah's up-tempo style was a tough test for him after an extended stint on the sideline.
“I think the pace versus a team like Utah, who play with a lot of pace, a lot of movement, a lot of cutting and things of that nature, tested us, tested me, obviously," James said. I was happy the way I was able to keep up with the guys.”
Since they're playing the Jazz again, James should be ready for another test on Sunday night.