With LeBron nearing a return, Austin Reaves scores

NEW ORLEANS — LeBron James is making progress in his return from injury, and that’s a good signal for a Lakers staff that has carried out erratically over a five-game journey.

Before the Lakers’ 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers coach JJ Redick said James, who has been dealing with sciatica, took half in an particular person workout on Friday following consecutive days of five-on-five follow with the South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers end their journey against Milwaukee on Saturday evening. James will then follow with the Lakers on Monday. If all goes effectively, the NBA’s all-time main scorer may make his season debut and start his league-record twenty third season Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena.

When he does return, how will James, who turns 41 next month, regulate to the chemistry the Lakers have established with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the middle of the offense?

“I’ve certainly thought about it,” Redick said about how James’ return will have an effect on the staff. “The reality is, next week will be a great week for all of us to assess where we’re at and figure out what we want to work on. It’s rare that you have one game over the course of a week, so probably will think about it more then. But typically when you’re playing every other day, you’re using your time until 3 a.m. to review the game that you just played and then using the time the next day until 3 a.m. to get ready for the next game.”

Last season, James averaged 24.4 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, while capturing 51.3% from the sphere and 37.6% from three-point vary.

Lakers gamers don’t assume James’ return will trigger any points.

Jarred Vanderbilt said James “can bring an element that we need, essentially, knowing that he can provide that.”

“I know it’s probably tough,” Vanderbilt said. “But even just the integration, trying to integrate himself as a player, as a team midseason is kind of tough. But we’re excited for his return, whenever he comes back, and I know he can provide exactly what we need for this team.”

Reaves led the best way against the Pelicans, ending with 31 factors and seven assists as the Lakers (9-4) improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup play.

Doncic scored 20 of his 24 factors in the first half and completed with 12 assists and seven rebounds.

Deandre Ayton was a pressure for the Lakers inside with 20 factors and 16 rebounds. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans (2-10) with 35 factors and six rebounds.

Etc.

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, who has been out all season recovering from left knee surgical procedure, was activated, but didn’t play against Pelicans. Redick said he hopes to give Thiero some enjoying time against the Bucks.