The Los Angeles Lakers are close to getting LeBron James back on the floor. James practiced with the team on Monday and, according to Jovan Buha, there is increasing optimism that he could return as soon as tonight against the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers have started the season 10-4 and sit fourth in the Western Conference. Much of that early success has come from the high-volume brilliance of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The pair is averaging 62.7 points, 14 rebounds, and more than 17 assists per night while carrying some of the heaviest workloads in the league.
James’ return changes the equation. The question has been how head coach JJ Redick plans to manage the minutes and responsibilities of three players who all operate best with the ball in their hands. Redick offered a surprising answer.
Despite James turning 41 in December, Redick said the plan is for LeBron to play roughly 35 minutes per game, which mirrors last season’s usage.
Lakers Betting on Depth to Support a 35-Minute LeBron
There are understandable concerns attached to a 35-minute target for James. He has been out with sciatica irritation, and the Lakers have been vocal about prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. Yet the roster around him looks more prepared to absorb the nightly demands than in previous years.
Deandre Ayton has settled in as the full-time starting center and has given Los Angeles reliable production on both ends. Jaxson Hayes has been far more effective in a backup role than he was last season. The combination gives the Lakers stability at a position that has often revolved around patchwork solutions.
The wing and forward rotation looks deeper as well. Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and either Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, or Gabe Vincent form a mix of youth, experience, and complementary skill sets. Redick appears confident that this depth will allow him to keep James fresh while still maintaining competitive lineups.
The coaching staff’s goal is clear. James needs to stay healthy enough to anchor what could be his final postseason push with the franchise. Playing 35 minutes will only work if the supporting cast consistently holds up its end.
How LeBron’s Return Impacts Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
GettyLuka Doncic #77 slaps hands with Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Doncic and Reaves have been logging more than 36 minutes per game, which is not ideal for an 82-game season. James’ return should relieve that strain. He remains one of the most reliable offensive organizers in the league, and inserting him into the rotation allows Redick to stagger touches and minutes more effectively.
The key challenge will be finding the right rhythm between the three primary initiators. Redick has already experimented with different alignments in the preseason and early regular season. The most likely approach is to ensure that at least one of James, Reaves, or Doncic is always on the floor while limiting stretches where all three are playing heavy minutes together.
James’ presence also unlocks simpler possessions for the guards. His ability to initiate in the halfcourt reduces the burden on Doncic to create every action and allows Reaves to lean more into off-ball scoring, cutting, and secondary playmaking.
Lakers Face a Crucial Balancing Act With Their Stars
The Lakers are in an unusual position. They are winning early, their role players have exceeded expectations, and they still have not seen their full roster healthy at once. James’ return will bring clarity, but it will also demand careful management.
A 35-minute plan is ambitious. It signals that Redick wants James to remain central to the team’s structure, not simply a veteran used situationally. The season will reveal whether that approach maximizes the group’s potential or whether adjustments are needed as the schedule tightens.
For now, the Lakers are preparing to welcome back the player who has shaped their identity for half a decade. How Redick balances LeBron’s workload with the demands on Doncic and Reaves will define the next stretch of the season.
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