LeBron James Progresses Toward 23rd NBA Season/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James will take a major step in his return to NBA action by practicing with the Lakers’ G League affiliate this week. The 40-year-old has yet to play this season due to sciatica, but his comeback appears near. Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to thrive with a 7-2 start.
LeBron James Nearing Return With South Bay Lakers Practice: Comeback Quick Looks
- Lakers coach JJ Redick confirms LeBron will work out with G League affiliate
- James has not practiced this season due to ongoing sciatica
- Lakers remain strong in his absence, winning six of their last seven
- Austin Reaves says James is analyzing games, ready to impact
- LeBron to make history with record-setting 23rd NBA season
LeBron James Progresses Toward 23rd NBA Season
Deep Look
LeBron James is inching closer to returning to the court for his historic 23rd NBA season, with plans to practice this week with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. At 40 years old, James has yet to suit up this season due to lingering sciatica, but his involvement in team activities signals progress.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick announced the development on Monday, clarifying that James would not practice on that day as South Bay was off, but confirmed a workout would take place later in the week. It marks the first on-court activity for James this season as he aims to rejoin the Lakers lineup in the near future.
“He’s literally practicing with South Bay this week,” Redick told reporters ahead of the team’s game in Charlotte. “That’s a positive sign. We’re just continuing to take it one day at a time.”
James has remained mostly quiet during his recovery, having made few public comments since Lakers media day in late September. The team has not issued a specific timetable for his return, though optimism is building that it may come sooner rather than later.
Despite James’ absence, the Lakers have thrived early in the season. Following Monday night’s 121-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets, the team improved to 7-2. The victory marked their sixth win in the last seven games, even with key injuries sidelining James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
Reaves, who returned against Charlotte after missing three games with a hamstring injury, offered praise for James and expressed excitement over his nearing return.
“I told him he should actually play a G League game, which is kind of funny,” Reaves joked, acknowledging the star’s commitment to the comeback process. “But seriously, the thing about him is he understands the game as everybody knows. I’m sure he’s been watching every game and breaking it down. He’ll know exactly how to help us the moment he comes back.”
James’ return will not only give the Lakers a veteran presence but also allow the team to regain its full strength as the season ramps up. His unmatched basketball IQ and on-court leadership remain vital assets, especially with Los Angeles aiming for another deep postseason run.
Though LeBron is not expected to join the Lakers on their ongoing five-game road trip, his progress in practice sessions with the G League team suggests he could be back shortly after their return. The Lakers’ next home game is scheduled for November 18 against the Utah Jazz, a potential target date for his season debut.
When James steps on the court again, he will make history by becoming the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons. The league’s all-time leading scorer began his professional career in 2003 and continues to defy age and expectation with his longevity.
Adding to the narrative, James is now teammates with his son, Bronny James, a moment many believed would never come. LeBron has long voiced his desire to share the court with his son, and now that reality is unfolding just as he returns from injury.
As the Lakers continue to build chemistry and rack up wins early in the season, the return of LeBron James promises to elevate them further — both on the scoreboard and in championship aspirations.
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