LeBron James Says His ‘Lungs Feel Like a Newborn Baby’ as He Prepares to Play

LeBron James is nearing his season debut — but he’s not holding his breath.

“My lungs feel like a newborn baby,” James, 40, told reporters on Monday, Nov. 17. “That’s the most important thing, I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man.”

The Los Angeles Lakers star, who turns 41 next month, has been out of action so far this season, nursing a bout of sciatica and the after-effects of a sprained ligament in his knee, suffered in last season’s first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Not too long after that [in mid-June], I started to feel the [pain] in my hip and my back, things of that nature,” James said. “So everything kind of changed. My whole dynamic changed of how I was going to prepare for the season, but it’s all a blessing in disguise.”

The Lakers star returned to practice with his teammates, including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, on Monday and is listed as “questionable” for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz.

“Just trying to get back to where I feel like myself again,” James said. “Got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.”

Last week, James was sent to the South Bay Lakers G League squad as a baby step before returning to the rigors of the NBA, where he’ll begin his 23rd season.

Earlier this week, Reaves made a little joke to reporters about the unlikelihood of the situation.

“How about Bronny James starting in the NBA, and LeBron’s assigned to the G League?” Reaves, 27, said, referring to LeBron’s son who is in his second season with the team. “That’s fun. That’s awesome.”

As for the elder James, things are seemingly moving in the right direction, he said, even if Father Time looms large.

“My voice is already gone [from] one day back, barking out calls and assignments and stuff,” he said. “Got to get my voice working again. Be a lot of tea and rest tonight. Feels good to be out here with the guys. Missed them.”