LeBron James’ return puts LA in “uncharted territory,” says JJ Redick

LOS ANGELES – After delaying the start of the 2025/26 season due to a nerve injury, LeBron James has been cleared to return to the lineup for Los Angeles Lakers against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. James was on the sidelines since the start of training camp due to a sciatica problem, and due to the nature of the injury, the Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick believes the team is entering uncharted territory when it comes to managing James’ minutes.

“We’re going to do what we did last year, which is communicate with him every day … we’re going to have to use the words uncharted territory … we’re going to have to handle this the best we can because it’s unprecedented. And he knows his body better than anybody,” Redick said before the team’s game against the Jazz. “The level of communication we had last year and during this six, seven week period was really good. So I don’t expect that to change. We’ll figure out ways to rest him when he needs a rest.”

After the Lakers’ practice on Monday, James was adamant that he would suit up wherever the team needs him as he enters an unprecedented 23rd season in the NBA. Redick admitted that one of the main areas of focus during his offseason talks with James revolved around finding ways to challenge him.

“Our conversations this summer were really healthy and positive, and we learned a lot about what he wants out of his 23rd season in the NBA. And I think one of the big takeaways from our conversations was just continuing to find ways to challenge him,” Redick said. “I think part of the reason he’s still doing it, other than the love of the game, is that his brain needs a new challenge. That’s how he functions at a high level.”

“And so I’ve just found new ways to challenge him, whether it’s as a screener, as an off-ball player, like we did last year. I thought as our season went on, he’s our best off-ball guy,” Redick continued. “I think finding a way to challenge him is going to be the biggest thing. He’s smart enough, he’s skilled enough, he’s got size, he’s athletic, he can integrate. It’s finding a way to challenge him.”

Last season, James appeared in 70 games with just over 34 minutes per game. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field, 37.6 percent from the three-point line and 78.2 percent from the free throw line.