Lakers Face Hornets as LeBron’s Return Nears but Remains on Hold
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into their matchup against the Charlotte Hornets without their biggest star once again, as LeBron James continues to recover from a sciatic nerve issue that’s kept him sidelined since the start of the 2025–26 NBA season. While fans have been eagerly waiting for his season debut, the team has confirmed that LeBron won’t be suiting up just yet for Monday night’s game.
Now, this has been a bit of a waiting game. LeBron, who’s now approaching 41, has been dealing with a nerve irritation that affects the lower back and runs down the leg — a condition known as sciatica. It’s the kind of injury that demands patience, especially for an athlete who’s logged as many miles as he has over two decades in the league. The good news, though, is that he’s been cleared for contact practice. That’s a major step forward and signals that he’s closing in on a return, possibly by mid-to-late November.
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Head coach JJ Redick gave some cautious optimism recently, saying the team hopes to have LeBron back within the next couple of weeks, but emphasized that there’s no firm target date yet. The focus right now is on making sure James completes all his return-to-play protocols without setbacks. Given his age and the Lakers’ strong start to the season — sitting at 7-3 and comfortably in fourth place in the Western Conference — the team isn’t rushing the process. They know it’s a long season, and preserving LeBron’s health for the stretch run is more important than any early-season win.
As for the Lakers’ on-court performance, they’ve held up impressively without their leader. Their offense remains one of the most efficient in the league, especially in the halfcourt, where they rank third overall. They’ve leaned heavily on pick-and-roll action, leading the NBA in points per possession from those plays. Players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have stepped up, keeping the team’s rhythm steady even with their captain out.
The Hornets, meanwhile, come into this matchup with their own injury concerns — notably missing LaMelo Ball, who’s still dealing with an ankle issue. They’ve struggled defensively, especially around the basket, where opposing teams have been feasting. That could open the door for Deandre Ayton to dominate inside and for the Lakers’ offense to keep humming.
So, while LeBron won’t be taking the floor just yet, all signs point toward progress. His recovery seems to be on track, and given his meticulous approach to fitness, he’s not likely to rush back until he’s fully ready. Lakers fans might need to wait just a little longer — but it looks like the King’s return is finally on the horizon.
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