LeBron James Returns to the Lakers: Making History Once Again

After a prolonged absence due to a sciatic injury that sidelined him through the entire preseason and the first 14 games of the 2025-2026 NBA season, LeBron James has finally made his much-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Lakers. At 40 years old and entering his 23rd season in the league, many wondered if James would hang up his sneakers for good. Instead, he re-signed with the Lakers, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the game and his team. His return wasn’t just a simple comeback – it was a statement. The Lakers announced his upgraded status after he participated in a full practice session on Monday, and by Tuesday night, the legendary forward was cleared to face the Utah Jazz in what would become another milestone night in his storied career.

Within just 17 minutes of stepping onto the court against the Jazz, LeBron achieved something remarkable that further cemented his legacy in NBA history. By knocking down two three-pointers, James surpassed the legendary Reggie Miller to claim sixth place on the NBA’s all-time three-point list with 2,561 successful shots from beyond the arc. This accomplishment speaks volumes about LeBron’s versatility and longevity. Originally known more for his powerful drives to the basket and playmaking abilities rather than outside shooting, James has evolved his game over the decades to become a legitimate threat from long range. His next target on the list is current Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, who sits at 2,729 three-pointers and counting. Above Thompson is Damian Lillard, who is currently sidelined for the entire 2025-2026 season with an Achilles tear but plans to return next year.

The elite company LeBron now keeps in the three-point category illustrates the changing nature of basketball and his ability to adapt with it. The top five now consists of James, Thompson, retired sharpshooter Ray Allen in third place, and active stars James Harden and Stephen Curry occupying the top two positions. Curry stands alone at the summit, being the only player in NBA history to surpass the astonishing milestone of 4,000 career three-pointers. For James to be mentioned alongside these specialized shooters highlights his exceptional skill development and basketball intelligence. Throughout his career, LeBron has consistently refined and expanded his game, adding new weapons to his arsenal while maintaining the physical dominance and court vision that made him special from the beginning.

In his season debut against the Jazz, James showed signs of a player finding his rhythm after a long layoff. By halftime, he had attempted just four shots, with three coming from beyond the arc, making half of his attempts for seven points. He complemented his scoring with two rebounds and four assists, displaying the all-around game that has defined his career. The Lakers entered the intermission trailing slightly, down 71-67 to Utah. This measured approach to his first game back is indicative of LeBron’s basketball intelligence – understanding that after missing significant time, he needs to ease back into the flow rather than forcing his usual dominance. His return brings much-needed leadership and stability to a Lakers team that has been navigating the early season without their cornerstone player.

The road to recovery and peak performance will require patience and conditioning work for the 40-year-old superstar. Coming off an impressive 2024-2025 campaign where he appeared in 70 games while averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, expectations remain high for what James can contribute. These numbers are remarkable for any player, let alone one who was 39 years old during that season. The sciatic issue that delayed his 2025-2026 debut serves as a reminder that even LeBron isn’t immune to the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport. Yet his commitment to treatment, rehabilitation, and preparation has allowed him to return to the court when many players his age would have long since retired. This resilience speaks to both his physical gifts and his legendary work ethic.

As LeBron embarks on his eighth season with the Lakers and 23rd overall in the NBA, his return symbolizes more than just another chapter in his career – it represents his enduring passion for basketball and his relentless pursuit of excellence. While his debut against the Jazz showed a player still finding his form, the mere fact that he continues to compete at the highest level and break records is a testament to his unprecedented longevity and adaptability. For a generation of basketball fans, LeBron has been a constant, evolving presence, redefining what’s possible for an athlete’s career span. Whether he can lead the Lakers to another championship remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: every game LeBron plays now is another page in a historic career that has transcended the sport and influenced countless players around the world. As he continues to chase basketball immortality, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what other milestones he can achieve in this late stage of his remarkable journey.