Austin Reaves Declares LeBron James "The GOAT" as Hype Builds for The King's Lakers Comeback

LeBron James could be making his season debut for the LA Lakers in Tuesday's game against the Utah Jazz. James is set to play in his record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA. Austin Reaves is hyped about James' return, calling his 40-year-old teammate "The GOAT."

Speaking to reporters after Monday's practice, Reaves was asked about his thoughts on having "The King" back after missing the first month of the season due to sciatica. The Lakers guard just loved the idea of having back one of the best basketball minds on the court.

"He is, in my opinion, the greatest player to ever touch a basketball," Reaves said, according to ESPN. "And I guarantee you, if you ask basically our whole team, a lot of the young guys would say he is their favorite player ever. So his presence, his ability to lift up a team and obviously his IQ (are all welcome additions). It's just, it's good to have him back."

LeBron James missed the entire preseason and the first four months of the season because of sciatica. James was finally cleared to return after spending a brief time in the NBA G League to get his conditioning back.

The four-time NBA champion also shared that it wasn't the first time he battled sciatica. He also had the condition back in 2023, responding to all the people calling his diagnosis fake.

"If you ain't never had it, and people are making jokes about it, I pray you never get it," James said, according to ESPN. "It's not fun. You wake up one day and you hope that when you step down from the bed that you don't feel it. You go to bed at night, and you hope that when you're in the bed that you don't feel it. So, I've been doing pretty good with it as of late."

At nearly 40 years old, James will become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons.

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LeBron James feeling good ahead of possible season debut

LeBron James feeling good ahead of possible season debut. (Photo: IMAGN)

There's no denying that LeBron James is one of the best-conditioned athletes in sports history. James has taken care of his body through proper diet, workouts and recovery. However, his recent sciatica injury prevented him from getting into his usual offseason routine.

James told reporters after Monday's practice that it was a great feeling to be back on the court with his teammates. He's starting to get his wind back after several months on the sidelines. It's unclear if he'll be on a minutes restriction, but at his age, it's likely expected.