LeBron James will take the next step in his recovery from sciatica this week by practising with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar prepares to begin his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed the development on Monday ahead of the team’s road clash with the Charlotte Hornets, noting that the 40-year-old forward would work out with the Lakers’ G League affiliate to regain fitness. Redick initially indicated that James was already training with South Bay, but the team later clarified that the session would happen later in the week, as the affiliate squad was off on Monday.
James has not yet taken part in a single practice or game for the Lakers this season after being sidelined with a sciatica issue early in training camp. The club has avoided setting a return timeline, keeping his status under close evaluation. The four-time NBA champion has largely stayed away from extended media interactions since his brief appearance on media day in late September.
Despite the absence of their veteran leader, the Lakers have started strongly, improving to 7-2 after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 121-111 on Monday night. It was their sixth win in the past seven outings, achieved despite injuries to James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
“I told him he should play a game (for South Bay), which is kind of funny,” Reaves joked after the victory. But the guard also expressed excitement about James’ eventual return, insisting the transition will be seamless. “The thing about him is he understands the game, as everybody knows. Knowing him, he’s been watching these first 11 games and analysing how he can help the team when he comes back,” Reaves said.
The Lakers, currently on a five-game road trip, were looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the short-handed Atlanta Hawks over the weekend. James is not expected to join the team for this trip but could return to practice sessions once the Lakers are back in Los Angeles.
Their next home game is scheduled for November 18 against the Utah Jazz, though it remains unclear if James will be available by then. When he finally steps onto the court this season, James will set a new NBA record for most seasons played, surpassing all predecessors in league history.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, who debuted in 2003, continues to defy time and expectations — preparing for yet another chapter in a career that began before his eldest son and current teammate, Bronny James, was even born.
