LeBron James made his 2025-26 season debut last week, after sciatica kept him sidelined for the Los Angeles Lakers’ first 14 games. The 40-year-old superstar played at least 30 minutes in two games last week, including 34 in the Lakers’ two-point victory on Nov. 23 over the Utah Jazz. However, James knows it will take some time for his conditioning to return to full workload, as he starts his 23rd NBA campaign.
LeBron James is Still Working on Getting Back Into Game Shape
Los Angeles beat Utah in two contests last week, but James’ production fell short of his and many fans’ lofty expectations. He had 11 points on seven shots with 12 assists in his season debut, but showed more offensive aggression in the second contest.
James scored 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting and added six rebounds with eight assists. After the game, he spoke to reporters about getting his body back into NBA game shape.
LeBron James on getting his wind back: “The only way to get back in basketball shape is to be playing the basketball game. My wind will get better and better. But this week was kind of like my training camp for me, to be honest. So I’m still working my way back.” pic.twitter.com/mxnisAwZeO
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 24, 2025
“The only way to get back in basketball shape is to be playing the basketball game. My wind will get better and better. But this week was kind of like my training camp for me,” expressed the Lakers’ star.
James did not participate in Los Angeles’ preseason training camp. In fact, the Lakers only cleared him to return to contact basketball activities on Nov. 6. He was unable to practice with his teammates for the overwhelming majority of the season so far. As a result, both he and the new-look Lakers have to develop their chemistry on the fly.
James also brought up an interesting additional challenge beyond the hardwood. “It doesn’t help [that] my second game back is in Utah. The altitude doesn’t help- that’s for sure,” said James.
The Jazz and Denver Nuggets have unique homecourt advantages in this way. Many players discuss the challenge of getting acclimated to the thinner air, especially if their team plays in these cities on the second night of a back-to-back.
James’ Return Adds New Wrinkle to the Lakers, But a Hot Start Helps
Oftentimes, adding a high-usage star can impact a team’s rhythm. Los Angeles barely escaped with a 108-106 win over a rebuilding Jazz team. The game marked the third-lowest scoring total of its campaign so far.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are off to incredible career-best starts. It will be interesting to see how James’ return impacts the Lakers’ star backcourt. Last season, he had a career-low usage rate of 20.5%. His previous low mark of 28.2% came in his rookie 2003-04 campaign.
Los Angeles sits second in the Western Conference standings with a 12-4 record, so there is no cause for alarm. However, the sooner the Lakers and James adjust to his return, the more prepared they will be for a title run.