India, Nov. 6 -- LeBron James is not playing vs the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The 40-year-old NBA points leader is yet to make his long-awaited 23rd season debut as he continues to recover from a lingering sciatica issue. However, LeBron and Lakers' fans got some positive update today - he is seemingly close to fitness.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Los Angeles remains confident that James will return to action around mid-November, consistent with the timeline first reported three weeks ago. Speaking on NBA Countdown Wednesday, Charania noted that Lakers officials are still "operating under the belief" that James's comeback is imminent, though he cautioned this remains "uncharted territory" for a player nearing 41 years old a...