NEW ORLEANS — LeBron James is making progress in his return from injury, which is a good sign for Lakers a team that had uneven results over the five-game road trip.
Before the match with the Lakers victory with a score of 118-104 over the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers coach JJ Redick said James, who dealt with radiculitistook part in an individual workout on Friday after consecutive days of five-on-five workouts with the South Bay Lakers.
The Lakers will close out their matchup against Milwaukee on Saturday night. James will practice with the Lakers on Monday. If all goes well, the NBA's all-time leading scorer could make his season debut and start his record 23rd season on Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena.
When he returns, how will James, who turns 41 next month, adjust to the chemistry he established with the Lakers? Luka Doncic And Austin Reeves at the center of a crime?
“I’ve certainly thought about it,” Redick said of how James’ return would impact the team. “The reality is that next week is going to be a great week for all of us to evaluate where we are and figure out what we want to work on. It's rare that you have one game during the week, so you'll probably think about it more then. But usually when you play every other day, you use the time before 3 a.m. to review the game you just played, and then use the time until 3 a.m. the next day to prepare for the next game.”
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from 3-point range.
Lakers players don't think James' return will cause any problems.
Jared Vanderbilt said James “essentially can bring the element that we need, knowing that he can provide it.”
“I know it's probably tough,” Vanderbilt said. “But even just integrating, trying to integrate as a player, as a team in the middle of the season, it's quite difficult. But we're looking forward to having him back, whenever he comes back, and I know he can provide exactly what we need for this team.”
Reeves led the Pelicans with 31 points and seven assists as the Lakers (9-4) improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup play.
Doncic scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half and finished the game with 12 assists and seven rebounds.
Deandre Ayton was a strength for the Lakers with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans (2-10) with 35 points and six rebounds.
Etc.
Lakers rookie Adu Thiero, who has been out all season recovering from left knee surgery, was activated but did not play against the Pelicans. Redick said he hopes to give Thiero some playing time against the Bucks.
