LeBron James’ long-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Lakers is drawing closer. After missing the first eight games of the season, the 40-year-old forward continues ramping up activity as he works his way back from a bout with sciatica affecting his lower back and right side.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has been “working out individually,” and the next step in his recovery is “five-on-five live play.” The milestone represents a major turning point for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, who is preparing for an unprecedented 23rd season.
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The Road Back to the Lakers
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James will not travel with the Lakers on their upcoming five-game road trip, which runs through Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee. During that stretch, the team’s G League affiliate—the South Bay Lakers—will hold practices in El Segundo, California. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin noted it remains unclear whether James will join South Bay for live sessions or wait to rejoin the main roster when it returns home on November 15.
As ESPN’s Malika Andrews observed, the earliest potential return for James would be November 18, when Los Angeles hosts the Utah Jazz.
Historic Territory
Even as the Lakers have opened the season 6-2 without both James and Luka Dončić—who has missed four games—there’s no replacing LeBron’s presence. Once he steps back on the floor, he’ll officially become the first player to appear in 23 NBA seasons.
Charania added that the organization still believes James’ debut will arrive “around mid-November,” emphasizing the uniqueness of his journey. “He turns 41 next month,” Charania said, “and that’s why Rob Pelinka’s offseason signings—Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart—have been so important.”
If all continues as planned, the Lakers could have their leader back before Thanksgiving.