LeBron James is officially one step closer to returning to NBA action. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been cleared to participate fully in team practices for the first time this season and will head to the G League for a tune-up with their affiliate, signaling that his long recovery may finally be nearing an end.
James, 40, has been sidelined since training camp with sciatica, a nerve-related condition that has plagued him since preseason began. The injury forced him to miss the entire preseason and the start of the regular season, including the Lakers’ opener against the Golden State Warriors. Early hopes that he would return within a few weeks faded as his recovery took longer than expected. Now, after weeks of rehabilitation and careful load management, James is ready to test his form in live practice settings.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James will fully participate in five-on-five drills with the Lakers’ G League affiliate. This move is not uncommon for veteran players returning from extended absences. It allows them to regain rhythm, test their physical limits, and avoid risking injury in a full-speed NBA game before they are fully ready. For James, it’s also a statement of focus and determination She’s not content to simply return; he wants to return strong.
The Lakers, despite missing their leader, have managed to hold their ground. They currently sit at 8-3, a record that speaks to both their depth and resilience. Austin Reaves, in particular, has emerged as a breakout star. After averaging just over 20 points last season, Reaves has exploded to 30.3 points per game through the team’s first eight contests, proving himself as a reliable offensive weapon and a fan favorite. His performance has kept Los Angeles competitive and energized during James’ absence.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić, another major piece of the Lakers’ offense, has also missed several games due to injury. Yet the team’s chemistry has not faltered, a testament to head coach Darvin Ham’s adjustments and the squad’s growing cohesion. With both James and Dončić eyeing returns, the Lakers could soon look far more dangerous than they already are.
James’ return carries more than just on-court implications. Entering his 23rd NBA season, the four-time champion is still motivated by the pursuit of another title. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds a stat line that would be exceptional for most players but has become routine for him. His ability to lead, mentor younger teammates, and elevate those around him remains unmatched. Even at 40, James continues to defy expectations and rewrite the limits of longevity in professional basketball.
The Lakers are being cautious about setting a specific date for his first game back. The organization plans to evaluate his conditioning and performance during G League practices before making any final decision. What’s clear is that James won’t be suiting up when the Lakers face the Oklahoma City Thunder this week. The more realistic target appears to be their next game on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, though that too depends on how his body responds to the increased workload.
The road back from sciatica is neither short nor simple. It’s an injury that requires not only physical recovery but also careful management of pain and mobility. For someone like James, whose game relies heavily on explosiveness and endurance, patience is essential. But as always, he seems to be approaching the challenge with the same focus that has defined his career discipline, intelligence, and an unshakable drive to win.
With LeBron James inching toward his long-awaited return, the Lakers may soon have the full strength of their roster back. If he can regain his rhythm and integrate smoothly with the newly matured supporting cast, Los Angeles could once again emerge as a dominant force in the Western Conference.
