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Veteran forward LeBron James could return to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup as early as the November 18 home game against the Utah Jazz. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday that James won’t travel with the team for their upcoming five-game road trip, with the team expecting him to make his debut during the three-game period between Nov. 18 and Nov. 23, which includes clashes against the Jazz (home), Jazz (away) and Los Angeles Clippers (home). RealGM later reported that the Lakers are targeting a return on November 18. “The Lakers are targeting a return date around Nov. 18 when they host the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena,” read the report. “James will not join the team for its upcoming five-game road trip as he continues building strength and conditioning in Los Angeles.” LeBron James Cleared for Contact James, who did not participate in preseason or training camp scrimmages, has been cleared for basketball activities, per Charania. The report spells good news for the 23-year veteran who is likely feeling the effects of playing pro sports into his early 40s. “LeBron James has been working out individually,” Charania told NBA Countdown. “I’m told that the next step for him is 5-on-5 live play. He will not be traveling on the upcoming five-game week-long road trip that starts in Atlanta this weekend.” Charania highlighted how the Lakers, who’ve started the season 7-2, are under no pressure to rush James’ return due to the early success they’ve tasted. “I was told today that Lakers personnel are still operating under the belief that LeBron James’ debut will be around mid-November. He turns 41 next month, he’s in his 23rd record NBA season — and that’s why Rob Pelinka’s offseason signings of Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart have been so important, paying dividends with the depth without one of the best players of all time.” Lakers’ Five-Game Road Trip In the meantime, the Lakers begin a five-game road trip starting with a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. The five-game trip will include stops in Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Milwaukee. The Lakers start as slight betting favorites in three of the games despite dealing with injuries to James, Austin Reaves (groin soreness), Gabe Vincent (ankle), Maxi Kleber (oblique) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee). JJ Redick’s team will face a litmus test when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, next Wednesday, before a clash against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks on November 15. Redick is excited about how good the Lakers will be when they are whole.
