Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers vs. Jazz: Is LeBron James Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 7:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a terrific start to the 2025-26 NBA season. They have won 10 of their first 14 games, placing them at the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

Luka Doncic has been sensational for the Purple and Gold, averaging 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Austin Reaves has been equally impressive, becoming the Lakers' second option with averages of 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.4 steals.

Making things even more interesting for the Lakers, LeBron James has yet to play this campaign due to sciatica, which was diagnosed last October before the season started.

It has been reported that the Lakers superstar is targeting a mid-November return, and and after he returned to practice with the team on Monday, fans have been asking if he's playing against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James poses for photos during media day.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Is LeBron James Playing Tonight?

LeBron James has been officially listed as questionable for the game against the Jazz.

It's worth noting, however, that Shams Charania of The Athletic reported hours before the game that the 40-year-old forward "wants to make his season debut tonight."

"Sources tell me LeBron James is aiming and wants to make his season debut tonight, at home, against the Utah Jazz," Charania shared. "I'm told he will go through his normal pregame routine on game day — that means his pregame nap, his pregame on-court workout — before a final determination is made."

Charania added that James still has "some boxes to check" before he makes his debut for his record 23rd season in the NBA.

Reporting for NBA Today -- Lakers' LeBron James aims to make a historic season debut tonight against the Utah Jazz: pic.twitter.com/baZDij6br8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 18, 2025

James "motivated and eager" to suit up, though, so while his status remains uncertain, it appears highly likely that he plays barring an unforeseen setback.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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