Lakers close to having Big 3 back

Le-Bron James is making progress with his injury and trending toward a return to the lineup, and that’s a good sign for a Lakers team in search of something positive while on a five-game trip that has had mixed results.

- By BRODERICK TURNER

SEAN GARDNER Getty Images LUKA DONCIC had 24 points and 12 assists Friday as the Lakers evened their trip with a win in New Orleans.

James has been working all week back in L.A. trying to get healthy after sciatica on his right side sidelined him to start the season.

Before the Lakers’ 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, coach JJ Redick said James took part in an individual workout following consecutive days of five-on-five practice with the South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers finished their trip at Milwaukee on Saturday night, a game that ended too late for this edition. James was expected to practice with the Lakers on Monday, and if all goes well, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer could make his season debut and start his league-record 23rd season Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena. It’s the Lakers’ only game all week.

When he does return, how will James, who turns 41 next month, adjust to the chemistry the Lakers have established with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the center of the offense?