It wasn’t Bronny, but his dad, who went down to the G League. In his 23rd year, 40-year-old LeBron James has taken an unexpected step: heading to the South Bay Lakers to log some practice reps and regain his rhythm. After a stretch of missed games, the four-time MVP is using the minors to tune up before returning to an LA squad that’s firing on all cylinders without him.

Once JJ Redick confirmed that Bron is easing back to practice with the South Bay kids sometime this week, reporters asked Austin Reaves how James is going to fit in with the current lineup. He found the idea of Bron in the G-League just as amusing as the rest of us.

“Very. I mean, I told him he should play a game. It would just be funny—with South Bay. But, can’t wait for him to come back. Obviously, it’s LeBron James. He’s, you know, in my opinion, the greatest player to ever touch a basketball.”

Luka Doncic continues to be otherworldly, Austin Reaves has blossomed into a two-way threat, Deandre Ayton has held down the paint, and Marcus Smart looks reborn- putting up near-DPOY defensive numbers. Add in Rui Hachimura’s steady rise, Jake LaRavia’s growth, and Bronny’s confident minutes, and it’s clear LeBron will be returning to a team with rhythm.

Reaves, back in the starting lineup after missing three games with a groin strain, helped the Lakers take down the Hornets 121–111 behind a complete team performance. Yet, the postgame presser wasn’t about the win- it was about LeBron’s brief G League detour, and how his teammates, especially Reaves, are embracing it as just another chapter in an ever-unreal career.

While analysts and retired NBA vets worry about AR losing his meaningful minutes with Bron back, the 27-year-old is confident that the team will find its rhythm when the Lakers star is back. “The one thing about him is he understands the game, as everybody knows.”

And for those like the Morris Twins, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett who fear Bron won’t stand being the second option to Reaves, the youngster himself is very assured.

“Knowing him [LeBron], he’s been watching these first, what is that, 11 games and analyzing the game in a sense of where he knows when he comes back, ‘this is how I can help the team.’ And obviously, it’s LeBron. He’s going to help the team in whatever he does because he’s so good. But, he’s a super competitor. Can’t wait to get him back. And, yeah.”

When James does come back, all eyes will be on JJ Redick and how he distributes the load among Bron, AR, and Luka. Regardless of the stress the outsiders are taking on, imagining whether James will fit in or not, the Lakers are kicking back just at the thought of King James’ return.

Luka Doncic & Co. await LeBron’s return

In the three weeks that LeBron James has missed, the Lakers have recalibrated in unexpected ways. Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia have shrugged off those inconsistency rumors and the Lakers have improved to an 8-3 after Monday night’s win over the Hornets. Yet that buzzing excitement to watch James play in year 23 can’t be ignored.

Yes, there’s a valid concern about him fitting in a team that’s doing better without him. But even his teammates are waiting for him like kids waiting for Santa on Christmas.

Luka Doncic summed up the team’s sentiments similar to Reaves when he, too, was asked about Bron’s return tonight. “We can’t wait. All of us can’t wait. It’s Bron, so it’s always good to have him back. Hopefully soon.”

It’s a positive sign that James is getting back to practice after resting from the sciatica condition. Even if it’s with the kids of the South Bay Lakers.

While the big guys are on a five-day road trip, he’s expected to get his shots in with Bronny’s teammates. The Lakers will host the Utah Jazz in their next home game on November 18.

It’s widely rumored that it will be the start of LeBron James’ 23rd season. Fingers crossed, James will be called up from the minors soon.