In a Saturday surprise, LeBron James could return to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup to face the New York Knicks on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

LeBron has missed the past five games with left knee soreness and swelling (here's everything we know about the injury, up to this point).

Because LeBron has been working away from the Lakers facility with his own medical team — and because the Lakers are generally vague about injuries (see: Nunn, Kendrick) — there has been no clear timeline for his return. Estimates and reports ranged from “a few days” to after the All-Star break and beyond.

Regardless of whether LeBron plays or not vs. New York, the fact that he's considering lacing it up is encouraging, and indicative that he won't be out for an extended period of time.

The Lakers are 6-12 in the 18 games James has missed this season due to a handful of different ailments — plus a one-game suspension, causing him to miss the first matchup with the Knicks, and a false-positive COVID-19 test. They've lost four of the five games he's sat out with his current knee issue.

At the moment, Los Angeles is a season-worst 25-28 and ninth in the Western Conference. They trail the Los Angeles Clippers — who beat them on Thursday — by 1.5 games.

LeBron has not spoken publicly since waking up with knee soreness on Jan. 27, though he seems to be doing OK.

In his 19th season, the 37-year old has played MVP-caliber basketball. But, he has also carried a heavier burden than expected. Before his knee swelled up, he was second in the NBA in scoring and fourth in minutes per game.

Overall, great news for the Lakers. A potentially tough break for the Knicks.