The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a stellar 7-3 start to the season, and they've done it without their biggest name appearing on the court once. 

LeBron James is looking forward to his 23rd season in the NBA this season, and when he steps on the court, he will set a record for the most career seasons ever in the NBA, breaking a tie with Vince Carter at 22 seasons, but it hasn't started for James yet.

He has missed all 10 of the Lakers' games this season due to sciatica on his right side and has had few meaningful updates or a clear timetable for his return. 

An Encouraging Update

That radio silence on the Laker veteran's condition changed after Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick confirmed on Monday that James will begin to practice with the South Bay Lakers, Los Angeles' G-League affiliate, as part of his return to the court. 

That still doesn't put a hard date on when the all-time great will be able to suit up for his record-breaking season, but it is a more concrete update than fans have received before. That return is at least guaranteed not to happen for the Lakers' Wednesday night game against the Thunder, as James has already been listed as OUT on the Lakers' injury report. 

Chasing History

While just appearing once for his 23rd season would make history for James, he has another longevity-related record in his sights. 

Carter currently holds the record for most career games played at 1,562, with James naturally right behind him at 1,541 games played. Barring any more setbacks this season, James is all but guaranteed to secure that record as well as the NBA's career games leader. James has never played fewer than 55 games in a season in his career.

Lakers Without Lebron

The Lakers have thrived in his absence, with Luka Dončić ascending as the team's best player with an average of 37.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 9.4 rebounds per game. Strong performances from Austin Reeves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton have rounded out the Los Angeles core as they fight for a title. 

James' return will surely shake up the dynamic that the Lakers have established in his absence, but the addition of a player that can still contend in the game at nearly 41 years old adds another weapon to the Lakers, not subtracts. 

James' practice sessions in South Bay will be illuminating to both him and the team as to what his status is and how close to a return he can be, but at least for Wednesday night, Los Angeles will still be king-less.