“He Looks Really Slim” – LeBron James’ Physique on Return to Practice Has Fans Worried

LeBron James appears to have slimmed down as he is getting closer to take to court in his 23rd season in the league

“He Looks Really Slim” – LeBron James’ Physique on Return to Practice Has Fans Worried

LeBron James appears to have slimmed down as he gets closer to take to court in his 23rd season in the league. (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The return of LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all-time, for an unprecedented and record-breaking 23rd season in the league is now close than ever. James has officially been listed as questionable by the Los Angeles Lakers for their next game against the Utah Jazz in Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old has been sidelined with sciatica nerve issues in his right leg before the start of the 2025-26 regular season. Hence, he may be uncertain for their next game as the Lakers return to home-court after their five-game road-trip, in which they went 3-2 capping it off with a convincing 119-95 win in Milwaukee.

After a G League assignment for practice, James practiced with the Lakers on Monday. The reports after the practice looked promising as James was looking fit and healthy. Lakers coach, JJ Redick will have some dilemma on how to integrate his star player into the team after a strong start to the campaign, as they are currently placed at fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 10-4 record. With Luka Doncic averaging 34.4 points and Austin Reaves averaging 28.3 points per game, it is a “good headache” to have for Redick and his staff.

During the media scrum after practice, James was asked about the chemistry of the team over the last 14 games and how will the dynamics change once he takes to court. He felt optimistic and looked forward to it:

I got to work my way back to it. The guys have been doing road-trips, shootarounds, so I got work my way back into the fold of things. It is like a kid going to a new school again, got to learn the guys and everything, do it organically. It’s going to be a fill-out process.

Following the practice, what caught the eyes of his fans was how slim James looked in front of the cameras. Being out for so long and getting into match fitness was never going to be easy, especially at James’ age. But James spoke about his lungs feeling like a newborn baby and working his lungs up.

Fans seem concerned at how slim LeBron James looked

LeBron James’ fans shared their concerns on the internet while some felt it was needed considering his age, as he answered some questions during the media scrum after practice. Here are some of the reactions:

LeBron James can play anywhere

One of the special gifts that separates James from almost everyone in NBA history is his ability to play and guard multiple positions. At 6’9” and weighing nearly 250 pounds, James can even play in the guard position because of his elite passing ability and high-IQ plays.

LeBron James
LeBron James (via Athlon Sports)

He was asked whether his return would affect the team’s chemistry, to which James replied:

I’m a ball player. The best thing about me and the way I’ve built my game over my whole life, I’ve never had a position. Spo (Erik Spoelstra) used to always say, ‘Positionless basketball’. Be positionless. There’s not one team, one club, in the world that I can’t fit in and play for. I can do everything on the floor. So whatever this team needs me to do, and more, I can do it when I’m back to myself.

Not just in any position but James can play in any team as well. The accolades speak for themselves as he won a championship in every team he has played for in his career. Two with Miami Heat, one in his hometown, Cleveland, and one with the Lakers in 2020.

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