The atmosphere in Los Angeles feels different this season. The city that has seen countless basketball legends rise and fall now waits for one of its greatest to return. For the first time in his two-decade career, LeBron James missed opening night. A sciatic nerve injury forced him to sit out the first eight games of the 2025–26 NBA season. Yet even as he watched from the sidelines, the Lakers proved that they might be stronger and more balanced than anyone expected.
The team announced on November 6 that LeBron has been cleared for full-contact practice. A re-evaluation is set for the coming week or two, suggesting his comeback is just around the corner. Lakers fans can almost feel it the moment when the King steps back onto the court. But there is a fascinating twist to the story. The Lakers have not only survived without him, they have excelled.
The Careful Path of Recovery
The trouble began quietly during an offseason workout in late July. What started as mild discomfort turned into a more serious nerve issue. The Lakers medical team, learning from the lessons of past seasons, decided to focus entirely on long-term health. Head coach JJ Redick described their approach as intentionally cautious, and the organization followed through without compromise.
Initially, LeBron was expected to miss three or four weeks. Yet the Lakers took no risks, stretching that timeline to ensure full recovery. The clearance for contact practice on November 6 marked a major milestone. Reports indicate that the veteran forward may return sometime after the upcoming road trip, possibly making his season debut before the end of November.
The Lakers Are Thriving Without Their Leader
If anyone expected the Lakers to stumble without LeBron, they were mistaken. Through the first eight games, the team has gone 6–2, displaying confidence, rhythm, and a newfound chemistry. Luka Dončić, the team’s other superstar, has played like a man possessed, averaging around 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. His performances have been nothing short of electrifying, turning every contest into a highlight reel.
Austin Reaves has also elevated his game, averaging over 30 points and nearly double-digit assists before a minor injury of his own. Beyond their stars, the team’s offseason additions have fit perfectly. Deandre Ayton has provided strength in the paint, Marcus Smart has added defensive toughness and leadership, and Jake LaRavia has given the rotation reliable depth and energy.
For perhaps the first time in years, the Lakers are no longer a one-man show. They have become a complete basketball unit—versatile, fearless, and capable of winning in multiple ways.
What Happens When LeBron Returns
LeBron’s return will inevitably shift the dynamics again, but in the best way possible. His presence alone changes the rhythm of a game. He brings leadership, control, and a sense of poise that only experience can provide. The Lakers will likely ease him into action, limiting his minutes at first to avoid setbacks.
Yet once he regains rhythm, the combination of Dončić’s youth and LeBron’s wisdom could become the most dangerous duo in the Western Conference. With Reaves as a consistent third option and a solid supporting cast around them, the Lakers might possess one of the most balanced rosters in the league.
A Question of Legacy and Time
Still, LeBron’s age and injury history invite questions about how much longer his career will last. At 41 years old and entering his 23rd season, every appearance on the court feels historic. There is speculation from analysts, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, that this could be his final season. If that turns out to be true, it adds a dramatic weight to every game he plays.
LeBron has spoken before about wanting to share the court with his son Bronny before retiring, but whether that dream can still be realized remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that fans are witnessing the twilight of an era. Few athletes in history have carried such consistency and excellence for so long.
The Season Ahead
With or without LeBron, the Lakers have already made a statement. They are no longer just contenders because of their superstar they are contenders because of their system, their chemistry, and their collective hunger. When he returns, the balance between veteran greatness and youthful dominance could propel them to the top of the Western standings.
Los Angeles thrives on stories of resurrection and glory. This season offers both. The King is preparing for one more return, one more chase for a ring, and maybe one last chance to remind the world that greatness, once earned, never fades.
