LeBron James’ return to the floor has become the most‑asked question among Lakers faithful and beyond. After being sidelined the entire preseason and opening weeks of the 2025‑26 campaign due to a sciatica back issue, every update seems to revolve around the same headline: When will he be back? Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers kept their momentum building — highlighted by a 121‑111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday thanks to a brilliant 38‑point night from Luka Dončić.

With the Nov 12 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder looming, one central question hangs in the air: will LeBron finally lace up and make his season debut tonight?

Is LeBron James Playing Tonight?

Unsurprisingly LeBron James will not be back for tonight’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He remains sidelined as he continues to manage his sciatica. When his injury was first announced on October 9th, writer Dave McMenamin had reported that James will go through re-evaluation in three to four weeks.

That took away the whole month of October and the pre-season. This is LeBron’s first time being absent from the court —11 games straight in his 23 long years of a glorious career. But he is still working on his 2025-26 season debut.

Yes, that is the good news. LeBron is making progress. He was recently assigned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This is also a first for him. However, considering how cautiously the Lakers are navigating his injury, it makes sense.

This is to ramp up his conditioning and participation in full 5-on-5 practices. As coach J.J. Redick noted, “He’s literally practising with South Bay today,” on November 10.

LeBron James has played 42 games against the Thunder in his career, with an average of 27.6 points. During his absence, the young core of Luka and Reaves have taken upon themselves to be at their best. Both young players are having career performances.

This has left some analysts doubt the future where James’ return and his adjustment to the young core remains hazy. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer bring his magic back to the court.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder injury report

Here is the injury report for tonight’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update:

The Lakers have had a dynamic list of injury reports so far, which briefly included Luka & Reaves. But LeBron James has remained a constant. A few other names from the roster include-

1. Adou Thiero remains unavailable following left knee surgery.
2. Gabe Vincent is out with a left ankle sprain.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Update:

The Thunder, on the other hand, are dealing with a lengthy list of injuries. This has affected their starters and rotational players alike.

1. Luguentz Dort is out due to a right upper trap strain.
2. Thomas Sorber remains sidelined after a right ACL injury.
3. Nikola Topic is out for tonight’s game and the rest of the coming games, since his testicular cancer diagnosis.
4. Aaron Wiggins is also out with a left adductor strain.
5. Jalen Williams is sidelined with a right wrist injury. He is to play this season, much like LeBron.
6. Kenrich Williams is out after sustaining a left knee injury.

Predicted lineups for Lakers vs Thunder

Tonight’s projected starting lineups are as follows:

These lineups reflect the latest injury updates.

Where to watch the Lakers vs Thunder game

Here’s how fans can catch the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, November 12, 2025:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)

• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

• TV: National coverage on ESPN; local broadcasts on Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Bally Sports Oklahoma (Thunder)

• Streaming: Available via NBA League Pass, ESPN app, and FuboTV for live streaming

Match preview & predictions

The Lakers are putting the onus on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to lead scoring and playmaking. On the Thunder side, who have only lost one match this season against the Portland Blazers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren will take the offense.

The Thunder will be playing on the second night of the back-to-back set following their dominant win over the Golden State Warriors. Good thing for the Thunder squad was to rest their starters in the fourth period with the score lopsided 126-102.

Expect a high-paced contest. Statistically the Thunder have an upper hand over the Lakers —going undefeated at home so far. Apart from the home ground benefits, they are projecting themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference.