Los Angeles, CA – November 19, 2025 – LeBron James made history Tuesday night, starting in his NBA-record 23rd season for the Los Angeles Lakers after a nearly month-long absence due to sciatica. The 40-year-old superstar, a cornerstone of the league for two decades, returned to action against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. His return adds another layer to an already competitive Western Conference landscape, and shifts focus back to the Lakers’ potential for a deep playoff run this season.
James’s delayed start to the 2025-26 campaign followed the Lakers’ strong 10-4 performance in his absence. Several other teams also experienced shifts in standings due to key player injuries, marking a turbulent start to the NBA season.
LeBron James Begins Historic 23rd NBA Season
James’s ability to consistently perform at a high level for over two decades is unprecedented in NBA history. He holds the league’s all-time scoring record and has earned four NBA championships with three different teams. The four-time MVP has been a dominant force and cultural icon for fans across the world.
The Lakers announced James was cleared to play after completing a full practice session on Monday without experiencing any residual pain or soreness. This followed recovery from the sciatica that sidelined him since the beginning of training camp. The team managed his workload cautiously, bringing him off the bench initially but quickly transitioning him to a starting role.
Other Notable NBA Results
The Detroit Pistons continued their impressive resurgence, securing their 11th consecutive victory with a 120-112 win over the Atlanta Hawks. According to ESPN, this is the Pistons’ longest winning streak since 2008 and propels them to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 13-2 record. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-99, powered by Jaylen Brown’s 29 points. In Orlando, the Magic overcame the Golden State Warriors 121-113, with Desmond Bane contributing 23 points and Anthony Black adding 21 off the bench. Despite a strong performance from Stephen Curry, who scored 34 points, the Warriors suffered a loss.
The San Antonio Spurs managed a 111-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies despite being without star player Victor Wembanyama, who is nursing a left calf strain. Harrison Barnes stepped up in Wembanyama’s absence, scoring 23 points and leading a crucial game-closing run. The Spurs also navigated the absence of Stephon Castle, sidelined with a hip flexor strain.
However, the Milwaukee Bucks faced a setback with Giannis Antetokounmpo sustaining a left groin strain on Monday. Reports from ESPN indicate he is expected to miss the next one to two weeks, potentially impacting the Bucks’ standing in the Eastern Conference. This injury reinforces the importance of NBA teams managing player health throughout the grueling regular season.
Team health appears to be a prevailing issue early in the season. The Memphis Grizzlies were similarly impacted, with Ja Morant sidelined due to a right calf strain. NBA injury reports are already extensive, impacting team strategies and playoff projections.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will be closely monitored to see how James integrates back into the lineup and whether they can maintain their strong form. The impact of Antetokounmpo’s absence on the Bucks will also be a key storyline. The league’s overall health remains a concern, and upcoming games will reveal how teams manage player availability and address potential disruptions caused by injuries. The next few weeks will likely clarify the emerging contenders and set the stage for a competitive playoff push.
