The much-anticipated comeback of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers is drawing near. With his rehabilitation progressing, James has transitioned from the team’s developmental G League squad back to the Lakers and participated in team practice on Monday.
Sciatica, a nerve ailment generating discomfort from the lower back down the leg along the sciatic nerve, sidelined James for the initial month of the season. Following a diagnosis during the preseason, James received clearance to recommence basketball activities in early November.
Prior to his reassignment, James dedicated several days this week to practices and 5-on-5 sessions to gradually regain his peak form, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. James joined the Lakers’ practice session on Monday, marking his first team practice participation this season.
The specific date of James’s re-entry remains uncertain. The Lakers are scheduled for just two games this week: a home game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, followed by a road game against the Jazz on Sunday. Lakers coach JJ Redick informed reporters on Monday that James’s availability for the Jazz game is “TBD,” along with Gabe Vincent, who has been absent for several weeks due to an ankle injury.
Although the sciatica diagnosis was recent, the seasoned athlete disclosed to reporters on Monday that he encountered this nerve discomfort during the offseason two years prior.
“I experienced it two years ago. Those familiar with it understand the experience. For those who haven’t, especially those who joke about it, I hope you never have to endure it,” James expressed. “It’s far from enjoyable.”
James’s anticipated return also appears to signify the conclusion of a series of injuries for the Lakers. Redick noted on Monday that this marked the first full practice this season with all 14 players in attendance.
Injuries have significantly affected much of James’ tenure with the Lakers. Throughout his eight seasons with Los Angeles, the veteran forward has yet to complete a full NBA season, missing over 150 games for the Lakers during this period. However, James has experienced improvements in the last two seasons, missing 11 and 12 games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, respectively.
Despite being the league’s oldest active player, James demonstrated exceptional performance last season, ranking among the NBA’s elite. He nearly averaged a triple-double, recording 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game as the Lakers secured 50 wins and finished third in the Western Conference.
Now, James is preparing to rejoin a Lakers team that has established a commendable 10-4 record, despite encountering several injuries. Both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have been sidelined, with other players stepping in to fill the roles of the injured stars.
The Lakers’ roster has been so depleted that James’s son, Bronny, received his second career start on Saturday, although he did not score.
