Overview
- After missing the first 14 games with right-sided sciatica, LeBron James has played two contests versus the Jazz, posting 11 points and 12 assists in his debut and 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the rematch.
- To stay eligible for All-NBA under the league’s 65-game rule, he can miss only three more regular-season games, with 11 back-to-backs remaining on the Lakers’ schedule.
- James said his first week back felt like a personal training camp as he builds conditioning, noting altitude affected his wind in Utah despite being in strong physical shape.
- Agent Rich Paul told ESPN he hopes James is not playing back-to-backs at age 41, even as the availability needed for award eligibility tightens.
- Sources told ESPN that James remains undecided about retirement after this season; the 12-4 Lakers and a group including coach J.J. Redick, trainer Mike Mancias and Dr. Leroy Sims will guide game-to-game availability.