LeBron James has taken a major step toward returning to NBA action. The Los Angeles Lakers star was officially assigned to the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, on Wednesday after receiving medical clearance to resume full practice, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The move signals the first time this season that the 40-year-old forward has been cleared for 5-on-5 drills following his extended recovery from sciatica-related pain. The Lakers are easing James back into competition in a controlled environment as he prepares for an eventual return to the main roster.
LeBron’s Recovery and G League Assignment
James has been sidelined since training camp with persistent sciatica issues, forcing him to miss the entire preseason and the Lakers’ first 11 regular-season games of the 2025–26 NBA campaign.
Initial projections suggested a quicker comeback, but the Lakers adopted a conservative strategy to preserve his long-term health. The team’s medical and performance staff recommended a temporary assignment to the G League to help James rebuild stamina and in-game rhythm.
This marks the latest phase of his recovery program — allowing him to practice under supervision and participate in scrimmages before rejoining the Lakers’ main lineup.
Quotes and Team Reactions
Head coach Darvin Ham praised the veteran’s progress but emphasized patience. “LeBron’s return will depend on how his body responds to these practices,” Ham told reporters Wednesday. “We’re focused on getting him back 100 percent, not just getting him back fast.”
Team sources confirmed that James will take part in multiple structured sessions this week with the South Bay Lakers, focusing on mobility and game conditioning.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that optimism within the organization is growing, and the Lakers could potentially activate James within the next two weeks if no setbacks occur.
Impact on Lakers’ Performance
Even without their superstar forward, the Lakers have maintained an 8–3 record to start the season, driven by strong performances from Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and role players stepping up in James’ absence.
When healthy, LeBron James remains one of the league’s most impactful playmakers. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, proving his continued dominance even at age 40.
His return could further stabilize the Lakers’ offense, elevate their defensive rotations, and enhance leadership presence on the floor — making Los Angeles a serious Western Conference contender once again.
What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers
No official date has been set for LeBron’s season debut, but sources close to the team suggest a late-November return is possible if his conditioning progresses as planned.
The Lakers will continue monitoring his workload throughout the G League stint. The next update from the team’s medical staff is expected early next week.
Fans and analysts alike see this as a pivotal moment in the King’s comeback journey — and possibly the start of another historic run in his 21st NBA season.
Sources
ESPN (Shams Charania)
NBA.com Injury Tracker
Los Angeles Lakers Official Release
247Sports NBA Coverage
The Athletic – Lakers Insider Reports
