EVEN without one of their top guns, the LA Lakers are off to a solid start in the 2025-26 NBA season. Expect things to look brighter for the team as LeBron James is close to returning for his unprecedented 23rd NBA season.

Lakers coach JJ Redick has announced that the 40-year-old James will be practicing with the G-League’s South Bay Lakers in preparation for his impending return.

The leading scorer in NBA history, James will break the record for most NBA seasons played once he makes his debut this season.

The Lakers are off to an 8-3 start with James still not playing a single game after developing sciatica weeks before the start of the season.

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic also missed some games but the Lakers have won six of their last seven matches, including a 121-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday (Philippine time), Nov. 11.

The trip to Charlotte was LA’s first of four straight road games. The Lakers will actually play five of their next six games on the road.

Los Angeles' next home game is Nov. 19 (Philippine time) against Utah.(CCM)

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