The Los Angeles Lakers, coached by JJ Reddick, are expecting the return of one of their superstars, LeBron James, in the form of an all-time great in the 2025-26 season. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Lakers are taking on coach Will Hardy’s Utah Jazz on their home court, the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, as they look to secure win No. 11 on the early campaign.
However, the headlines are seemingly flustered by the fact that four-time NBA champion LeBron James is set to return to playing duties after missing the last 14 games with a sciatica nerve issue he has been dealing with since October. With this, James will officially become the only player in NBA history to play 23 seasons in the league, as he will play against the Jazz to achieve the feat.
LeBron James will make his Los Angeles Lakers season debut against the Utah Jazz tonight at home, sources tell me and @mcten. The four-time NBA champion has rehabbed a nerve issue on his right side and now will take the court for a league-record 23rd season. pic.twitter.com/yvxiI6fZ4w
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 19, 2025
Basketball fans online celebrated the momentous return to action of one of the greatest players of all time in James.
“GOAT BACKKKK,” one fan exclaimed.
“THE KING IS BACK,” another fan claimed.
“CHILLSSS,” another user shared.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAH THE KING HAS AWAKENED, THE REAL SEASON STARTS TONIGHT🔥🔥🔥🔥,” a fan said with several fire emojis.
Other X users are in awe of the fact that James has made it to season No. 23, something that no one else has in NBA history.
“Year 23 is crazy!” one fan wrote.
“The man is playing his 23rd season, and I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing for dinner. An absolute legend,” another fan posted.
“LeBron’s dominance since the 2003 draft has redefined longevity—now entering his record NBA season after battling back from that nerve issue. Lakers fans, get ready for the King to reclaim the throne vs. Utah 🏀,” a fan pointed out with a basketball emoji.
The Los Angeles Lakers Have Managed To Stay At The Top Of The Western Conference
Even without LeBron James in the fray, the Los Angeles Lakers have managed to stay in the hunt for the top seed early on in the 2025-26 campaign, as they currently have a 10-4 overall record (3-2 at home) and are sitting as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
This is largely because the duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves has helped the likes of center DeAndre Ayton elevate their play to new levels.
