LeBron James Teases Return from Sciatica for Lakers

Merlin sees LeBron James quietly signaling a near return after posting an Instagram Story of himself stepping onto a court with an hourglass emoji. Out with right-side sciatica and having missed training camp, James recently practiced with the South Bay Lakers and did some five-on-five work — often the last step before a comeback. The Lakers are 8-4 without him, getting strong play from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton; adding LeBron would instantly boost L.A.’s ceiling. Merlin notes that at almost 41, James will be eased back into action, with minutes and load carefully managed. The hourglass is a tease: if practice reports stay clean and pain remains absent, his return could shift playoff expectations, though the timeline will be guarded and fluid.