The Los Angeles Lakers are currently battling for the eighth regular-season win as they try to defeat the Charlotte Hornets to begin their four-game road trip on a high note.
However, before the Lakers’ road trip commenced at 7:00 p.m. On Monday, ESPN revealed the decision the franchise made regarding their 40-year-old phenom, LeBron James.
“LeBron James is on track to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, later this week as he ramps up for a return from sciatica on his right side,” the notable media outlet reported 16 minutes before tip-off.
“The Lakers are in Charlotte for a game against the Hornets, the first in a four-game road trip. The team doesn't return home until Tuesday, Nov. 18, when they host the Utah Jazz.”
“James, 40, has yet to play this season due to the sciatica, which involves symptoms of of irritation, inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The Lakers have not announced a definitive timeline for his return.”
The Lakers’ decision to give James a chance to shake off the rust in the G-League indicates the four-time NBA champion is inching closer to his 2025-26 season debut with the organization.
It’s common for contributors, whether superstars or role players, to spend a brief period in the G-League following an injury to help them return to game shape before returning to their respective teams’ lineups.
James, who hasn’t appeared in an NBA contest since late April, could use some practice reps with the Lakers’ G-League affiliate in mid-November.
While it’s unclear which opponent James will make his season debut against, there’s no denying that the dynamic 6-foot-9 forward is taking all of the proper steps in the meantime.
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