Lakers targeting mid-November for LeBron James return

LeBron James won’t be on the floor when the Lakers open the season, but his return may not be too far off.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles is targeting mid-November for James’ season debut as he continues to rehab from sciatica on his left side.

Charania said James is taking what was described as a “patient approach” to recovery. The focus right now is on regaining basketball conditioning, not rushing back into game shape.

The nerve issue reportedly began in late July or early August during a workout, limiting James’ typical preseason ramp-up. He’s expected to be re-evaluated around October 30, but even then, he’ll need a few more weeks before he’s ready to play.

Now entering his 23rd NBA season — and turning 41 in December — James has played at least 75 games, including playoffs, in each of the past two years. For now, the Lakers are content to wait until he’s fully ready to go.