LeBron James is taking a major step toward returning to the court for his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed earlier this week that the 40-year-old superstar will practice with the organization’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as part of his ramp-up from sciatica that developed during training camp. The team later clarified that James’ workout will occur later this week, as South Bay was off on Monday.
James, who hasn’t yet practiced or played this season, was formally assigned to South Bay on Wednesday to participate in his first full five-on-five session, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Redick: ‘He’s Literally Practicing With South Bay’
Redick initially told reporters before Monday’s game in Charlotte that James was “literally practicing with South Bay today,” before the team confirmed that the timeline was slightly adjusted.
The move allows James to get valuable on-court work while the Lakers continue their five-game road trip, which concludes Saturday.
Los Angeles returns home Nov. 18 to face the Utah Jazz, but James isn’t expected to join the team until he completes multiple workouts with South Bay.
The Lakers remain cautious with their franchise cornerstone as he manages the nerve issue that sidelined him since early October.
Lakers Finding Ways to Win Without Him
Despite missing James — along with various injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves — the Lakers have opened the season strong at 8-3.
Dončić has been on an early-season tear, averaging 37.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 9.4 rebounds through seven starts. Reaves, now back from a hamstring injury, has added 30.3 points per game on 48% shooting.
The Lakers were routed last weekend by the short-handed Atlanta Hawks but have otherwise been steady under Redick’s first-year leadership.
The team has relied heavily on forwards Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jake LaRavia to fill minutes in James’ absence.
A Historic Return on the Horizon
When James officially steps onto the floor, he will break the all-time record for most NBA seasons played, surpassing Vince Carter’s 22.
The league’s all-time leading scorer is coming off a 2024–25 campaign in which he played 70 games and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
James began his career in October 2003 — nearly a year before the birth of his oldest son and current teammate, Bronny James. Now entering his third decade in the league, the elder James continues to defy time and redefine longevity in professional sports.
While there’s still no firm date for his season debut, the organization’s methodical approach reflects both respect for James’ age and confidence in the team’s early success.
If he returns close to his usual form, the Lakers could quickly reassert themselves as Western Conference favorites, led by the trio of Dončić, Reaves, and James.
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