Not just Los Angeles Lakers fans, but spectators of the entire league have been awaiting the season debut of LeBron James. For the first time in the 22-year veteran's career, he wasn't able to play to begin a season.
The injury diagnosis was a sciatica issue in the right side of his body. He was diagnosed just weeks before the start of the regular season, and has so far missed the Lakers' first part of the 2025-26 campaign.
At 40 years old, turning 41 in December, James is still making the necessary steps in returning to action. Senior NBA insider Shams Charania provided an update on the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Charania: LeBron James participates in first full practice
Shams Charania said on Wednesday that LeBron James went through his first full practice while recovering from the sciatica injury. James also went through five-on-five sessions.
"Sources told me this afternoon that LeBron James looked great, felt great as he went through that practice. He moved well, and he didn't show signs of any issues as he's worked through this nerve issue on his right side. My understanding right now is that LeBron James is eager and motivated to get back out on the court, potentially here mid to late this month," Charania added.
Details for NBA Today on LeBron James participating in his first full practice and five-on-five session of the Lakers season -- with South Bay in the G League: pic.twitter.com/g4w79jxUaz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025
Although the Lakers have been without one of their top players, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and the rest of the team have put together an impressive start to the regular season. They currently sit at the No. 4 seed in the West with an 8-3 record.
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