EL SEGUNDO — The Lakers welcomed back a familiar face on Monday.

LeBron James practiced with the team for the first time after being sidelined for the last 1 ½ months because of sciatica on his right side.

“My lungs feel like a newborn baby, that’s the most important thing,” a hoarse-voiced James said in his first media availability since the team’s Media Day on Sept. 29. “I got to get my lungs back up to a grown man. My voice is already gone. One day back, barking out calls and assignments and stuff, getting my voice working again. Be a lot of tea and rest [Monday night].”

Coach JJ Redick said it had not determined as of Monday afternoon whether James, who’ll play an unprecedented 23rd NBA season, is available to make his debut in Tuesday’s home game against the Utah Jazz.

Redick adde

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