The NBA this season has been electric, but it would be even better if four-time champion LeBron James were healthy. He has been out so far with sciatica, which has him experiencing pain in his nerves on one side of his body. However, the latest update on James indicates he is progressing and that his return for the Los Angeles Lakers’ home crowd could be in an NBA Cup game at Crypto.com Arena versus the LA Clippers.
Lakers' LeBron James has officially been cleared for contact basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. Next step, ramping up to 5-on-5 action. https://t.co/jAUEPz7X3B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2025
Moreover, every player on the Clippers finds joy in battling with James, and so does his former head coach, Tyronn Lue. He is a tremendous athlete, making history at 40, and is one of the most exciting competitors in the association.
However, the Lakers at full health are scary, and Lue’s squad could be one of the first teams to see them. The hope is that most of the issues will be solved near the end of November, because if not, James plus Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and co may add another loss to the Clippers’ record.
If the Clippers show up unprepared, the Lakers will crush them with LeBron James healthy
In the Western Conference, the LA Clippers are currently 3-5, one seed outside the play-in tournament. Three of their five losses have been consecutive, and it could become four tonight, as Kawhi Leonard is still out with a sprained ankle.
If the Clippers use their binoculars to the very top, they will see the Los Angeles Lakers, who have not had LeBron James for all nine of their games, at 7-2 for the second seed in the West. JJ Redick has been sensational, and their primary superstar, Luka Doncic, has been the MVP frontrunner.
This season, Doncic is averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists, shooting 50% from the field in almost 40 minutes per game.
He, alone, is already scary enough, and when the Lakers add James to the mix, opponents, like their biggest rival in the Clippers, will have a sleepless night due to nightmares right before their November 25th, NBA Cup, contest.
Although James may be on a minutes restriction, Tyronn Lue and the Clippers need to be ready. Doncic will get his, but having Kris Dunn try his best to contain him and Leonard on the 21-time All-Star will help the Clippers defeat the Lakers and win the first ‘Battle of LA’ of the season.