Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is inching closer towards a return to game action, but it won’t come on Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
James won’t play in the game in Milwaukee as he continues to be sidelined with sciatica. It will be the 14th consecutive game that James has missed to start the season — the most of his career, by far. Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 70 games for the Lakers.
Even without James, the Lakers have gotten off to a strong start to the season. They’re currently fourth in the West with a record of 9-4. They pulled out a 118-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, so the game against the Bucks will be the second night of a back-to-back for L.A. It will also be the back end of consecutive games for the Bucks, who bested the Charlotte Hornets 147-134 on Friday night.
James’ return to action could come as early as next week. The star forward practiced with the G League’s South Bay Lakers this week, and the practices have been going smoothly. After the game against the Bucks, the Lakers play two consecutive games against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday and Saturday next week. Perhaps we’ll see James in one of those contests.
When James ultimately does return to action, he’ll become the first player ever to suit up for 23 seasons in the league. James is currently tied with Vince Carter for the most seasons played with 22.
