It’s T-1, if ESPN’s latest whisper is to be trusted, on LeBron James ’ long-awaited return to the hardwood, reportedly set for Nov. 18 when the Lakers face the Utah Jazz. His sciatica flare-up has been the ultimate buzzkill this season, yanking the brakes on what was supposed to be a historic 23rd lap around the league. But hey, the injury did accidentally hand Bron a strange little milestone: the man had never missed a season opener before, and he had definitely never imagined stepping onto a G League court before stepping back under the NBA lights. And yet there he was, warming up in the minors.

South Bay Lakers head coach Zach Guthrie still sounded a little stunned describing the moment. As he put it, “ To have the greatest player of all time join your practice like first and fo

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