When will LeBron James return to the Lakers? NBA Insider reveals details on 4x Champ's possible injury comeback

Star of the LA Lakers LeBron James he hasn't played this season and missed all of preseason and training with right-sided sciatica. With James' injury re-evaluation set this week, league expert Dave McMenamin reported that the four-time NBA champion is on the road to recovery.

On Monday's episode of ESPN's “NBA Today,” McMenamin said:

“I'm told we're still around three more weeks before he's targeting a return sometime in mid-November. Now, I've been told by multiple sources over the last few days that his rehab and the whole process to get back to that return date is moving in the right direction.”

McMenamin added that the Lakers are in no rush to get James back into the lineup as they have their eyes on a deep playoff run.

“This team wants to be able to make some noise in the postseason, so do what you can now to make sure LeBron James' body, Luka Doncic's body, et cetera, down the roster are ready to play when it really matters,” McMenamin said.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Oct. 9 that James' injury reevaluation is scheduled for three weeks, which will fall on Thursday. The 21-time NBA All-Star was initially expected to be out three to four weeks.

James is on pace for an NBA-record 23rd season, tying him with Vince Carter for the longest career in history. In 70 games last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game on 51.3 percent shooting, including 37.6 percent from 3-point range.

The Lakers will have to rely on their supporting cast as they await the return of LeBron James

With LeBron James not expected to return for another two weeks, the LA Lakers will have to rely on Luka Doncic to lead the team. However, Doncic is also suffering from a sprained left finger and a bruised lower left leg. The five-time NBA All-Star is expected to miss at least a week.

Without its two superstars, Austin Reaves rose to the occasion on Sunday, leading LA's 127-120 win over the Sacramento Kings with 51 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura also stepped up, scoring 22 and 18 points, respectively.

Reaves has shown he can be the No. 1 option while James and Doncic recover. If the rest of the Lakers' supporting cast can contribute, the team could be in a solid position in a loaded Western Conference when LeBron James returns next month.

The Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, the second game in a row.