LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been without LeBron James so far this season. He has been out with sciatica, something that has hindered him dating back to the preseason. James is entering his 23rd season in the NBA, which is a record.
Without James in the lineup, the Lakers have foisted themselves into a tie for third in the Western Conference standings. Despite their lofty spot in the standings, they are a league-average team in terms of net rating.
James has been ramping up as he is nearing his return to basketball. He is now aiming to play on Tuesday night against the Jazz.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Lakers Forward LeBron James Wants to Play vs Jazz
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James is pushing very hard to play against Utah. He is going through his normal pregame routine to do so, as Charania reported on NBA Today.
“Sources tell me LeBron James is aiming and wants to make his season debut tonight against the Utah Jazz. I’m told he will go through his normal pregame routine. That means his pregame nap, his pregame on-court workout before the game, before a final determination is made.”
There is still a chance that James ends up not playing in this game, but he is doing everything he can to start his season against Utah. When James is this committed to playing in a game, he usually ends up on the court.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 116-104 to take a 2-1 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Lakers Get an Offensive Boost With LeBron James
Despite James being 40 years old, the Lakers will get a massive boost offensively with him on the court. He is still a freight train when he gets downhill with the ball in his hands. Last season, he was a second-team All-NBA selection.
James still shot over 51 percent from the field a year ago. Not only is James the all-time scoring leader, but he is also one of the best passers in the history of the game. Adding him on the court will allow more players to get open shots, as well as give the Lakers another person who can create his own shot.