LeBron James, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers , has been out since the beginning of the 2025–26 NBA season because of a sciatica-related back problem. He was absent for the whole preseason. The Los Angeles Lakers star will also have to start the regular season on the bench due to the injury.
Fortunately, though, he has now been cleared for full team practice, which is a significant step towards his season debut. The 40-year-old has been progressively increasing his workload, taking part in individual drills and light shooting sessions before being given the all-clear to participate in group activities, according to team officials.
LeBron James nears long-awaited return as fresh update sparks hope in Los Angeles Lakers
At first, it was anticipated that James, 40, would not be able to play until mid-November. On November 10, the Lakers forward received a favorable update. James is scheduled to resume practice this week, according to head coach JJ Redick.
The team is looking at mid-November as a potential return date, according to people close to the team, but that might change based on how his body reacts to contact play.
He will begin his training with the South Bay Lakers, a Los Angeles G-League affiliate. The L.A. Lakers will return to Los Angeles for a home game against the Utah Jazz on November 18. They are currently one game into a five-game road trip.
James' return will be handled cautiously, according to head coach JJ Redick, who stressed patience in the recuperation process. Redick said earlier this week:
"He's putting in the work every day… We're not rushing anything, but he looks really good."
The first step for the future Hall of Famer to participate in a game is going back to practice. As James resumes practice and keeps an eye out for any setbacks associated with his sciatica ailment, he will probably go through a gradual ramp-up period.
At first, it was anticipated that James would be off for three to four weeks. He was anticipated to miss at least four or five games due to the timing of the injury. The top forward has missed 11 games so far.
Since the preseason, James has struggled with sciatica discomfort, which has prevented him from playing in the Lakers' first 11 games of the 2025–26 season as well as the whole exhibition schedule. The organization decided to take a careful approach in order to protect his long-term health, despite early estimates that he might return in a few weeks.
His greatest chance of returning will be after the Lakers have played 14 games if he doesn't accompany the team on this road trip. This is at the longer end of the originally suggested timetable, and it might go longer if James encounters any difficulties as he increases his practice involvement.
The Lakers have started the season competitively despite losing their captain, thanks to the attacking prowess of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.
Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight? Los Angeles Lakers legend's health status against Miami Heat revealed (11-02-2025)
Fortunately, though, he has now been cleared for full team practice, which is a significant step towards his season debut. The 40-year-old has been progressively increasing his workload, taking part in individual drills and light shooting sessions before being given the all-clear to participate in group activities, according to team officials.
LeBron James nears long-awaited return as fresh update sparks hope in Los Angeles Lakers
At first, it was anticipated that James, 40, would not be able to play until mid-November. On November 10, the Lakers forward received a favorable update. James is scheduled to resume practice this week, according to head coach JJ Redick.
The team is looking at mid-November as a potential return date, according to people close to the team, but that might change based on how his body reacts to contact play.
He will begin his training with the South Bay Lakers, a Los Angeles G-League affiliate. The L.A. Lakers will return to Los Angeles for a home game against the Utah Jazz on November 18. They are currently one game into a five-game road trip.
James' return will be handled cautiously, according to head coach JJ Redick, who stressed patience in the recuperation process. Redick said earlier this week:
"He's putting in the work every day… We're not rushing anything, but he looks really good."
LeBron James Set for G League Stint as Recovery Progresses
— Basketball Predicts, Tips & Picks (@basket_predict) November 12, 2025
In a surprising twist, LeBron James is making strides in his recovery as he gears up to practice with the G League. This move marks a significant step towards his return after being sidelined with sciatica. Lakers fans…
The first step for the future Hall of Famer to participate in a game is going back to practice. As James resumes practice and keeps an eye out for any setbacks associated with his sciatica ailment, he will probably go through a gradual ramp-up period.
At first, it was anticipated that James would be off for three to four weeks. He was anticipated to miss at least four or five games due to the timing of the injury. The top forward has missed 11 games so far.
Since the preseason, James has struggled with sciatica discomfort, which has prevented him from playing in the Lakers' first 11 games of the 2025–26 season as well as the whole exhibition schedule. The organization decided to take a careful approach in order to protect his long-term health, despite early estimates that he might return in a few weeks.
His greatest chance of returning will be after the Lakers have played 14 games if he doesn't accompany the team on this road trip. This is at the longer end of the originally suggested timetable, and it might go longer if James encounters any difficulties as he increases his practice involvement.
The Lakers have started the season competitively despite losing their captain, thanks to the attacking prowess of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.
Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight? Los Angeles Lakers legend's health status against Miami Heat revealed (11-02-2025)
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