LeBron James' return to game action with the Los Angeles Lakers is imminent.

James practised with the Lakers on Monday, and could make his long-awaited season debut on Tuesday.

His decision to return Tuesday against the Utah Jazz will come down to how he feels a day after his first practice session with the Lakers since late September.

"Just trying to get back to where I feel like myself again," James said. "Got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus."

The 40-year-old James has been sidelined since he developed sciatica before the start of training camp. He had recently been practising with the G League's South Bay Lakers in ramping up his on-court activity and conditioning, but admits he's not quite 100%.

"My lungs feel like a newborn baby," James said. "That’s the most important thing: I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man. My voice is already gone (from) one day back barking out calls and assignments and stuff. Got to get my voice working again. Be a lot of tea and rest tonight."

“My lungs feel like a newborn baby … I got to get my lungs back up to a grown man.” LeBron James on the process of getting back into game shape. He said he would have to see how his body responds to today before deciding to play tomorrow or not. pic.twitter.com/2LcThDY9Ju

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 17, 2025

When he does return, he'll become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons. If he doesn't play Tuesday, the Lakers don't play again until Sunday, when they visit Utah.

With James out, Luka Dončić has carried Los Angeles. His 34.4 scoring average is the best in the NBA, and he has led the Lakers to a 10-4 start and first place in the Pacific Division.