How LeBron James' Return from Injury Should Be Managed by Lakers amid NBA Rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-2, are enjoying historic play from Luka Dončić, and have witnessed Austin Reaves evolve into a legitimate superstar.

And they are about to get their biggest star back as "LeBron James has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be reevaluated by team physicians in approximately 1-2 weeks, per the Lakers," per Lakers reporter Khobi Price.

While most teams would be in a rush to get back a player of James' caliber, a megastar in the game and one of the greatest to ever do it, the organization's early success in the 2025-26 season means Los Angeles does not have to.

Dončić is playing the best ball of his career, averaging 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.2 assists a game. He is shooting 50 percent from the floor and 30.5 from beyond the arc.

Reaves is averaging 31.1, 5.1, and 9.3, a hot start in a contract year.

The team has even proven it can win without any of its three stars, with DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart coming up big in key situations.

The electric start and strong play has created a scenario where the Lakers can take their time getting James back on the court. The face of basketball in this generation, the four-time NBA champion had another strong season ago, scoring 24.4 points and tallying 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists.

Already ranked 11th in scoring, the Lakers would love to be able to reintroduce those stats into the fray. Taking their time, making sure the four-time Finals MVP is completely healthy and can benefit the team when it needs him most, is the right decision and one that will ultimately benefit all involved.

Especially if the team is able to build on its early-season momentum.