The Los Angeles Lakers have had an exciting start to the season despite being quite depleted. With Austin Reaves recently missing games, Luka Dončić missing a few games due to injury, the team has had to scramble to figure things out. Luckily, they’ve done so successfully.
With all of those injuries going on, there has been one specifically that has plagued the organization for every game of the season thus far. That is the right sciatica injury sustained by LeBron James in the offseason.
After missing every preseason game, James has yet to play in any of the team’s regular-season games as well. While it hasn’t negatively affected them, it’s obviously a plus to have the NBA’s all-time leading scorer suiting up for your team.
Today, Shams Charania gave us a bit of insight as to LeBron James possibly ramping up for a return soon.
LeBron to begin work with Lakers G-League team
ESPN’s Charania tweeted that LeBron has been assigned to the Lakers' G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to practice with them.
Lakers' LeBron James was assigned to the franchise's NBA G League affiliate, South Bay, today and will participate in his first full practice of the season, including 5-on-5 play, as he works toward a debut.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025
While the thought of the Lakers' G-League squad attempting to slow down even an injured and 40-year-old LeBron James is a hilarious thought, this is big news.
This move signals that the initial estimated return of mid-November is tracking. How his return will eventually impact the Purple and Gold is another story entirely.
One would think that getting back a player who has consistently averaged 25-7.5-7.5 could be nothing but a good thing. When you look at the Lakers this season, however, you’re not so sure that his play style won’t take away from others.
Austin Reaves has been absolutely stellar next to Luka Dončić this season, and their chemistry is through the roof. When you throw in the high usage of LeBron James into the mix, what does that do to the productivity of a player like Reaves?
We’ll find out soon enough, as it looks like LeBron is definitely on his way back to action.