Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

LeBron James News Emerges After Lakers’ G League Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 5:21 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is nearing a return to the court after missing the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a sciatica problem.

James, now headed for an unprecedented 23rd year in the league, was cleared for basketball activity last week and had his first full five-on-five practice on Wednesday after being assigned to his team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, this week.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the 40-year-old went through that first practice session with zero issues. Charania cited sources who claimed that the four-time NBA champion moved well and looked good out on the floor.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“He went through his first practice of the season, and most critically, his first five-on-five of this NBA season as he works toward his debut from sciatica on the right side,” Charania said late Wednesday afternoon.

“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.”

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

Charania added that James has his eyes set on a return sometime before the end of November.

“My understanding right now is that LeBron James is motivated and eager to get back on the court potentially mid-to-late this month,” he noted.

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is progressing toward season 23, as mentioned above, and will make history as the first player ever to do so once he steps back onto the court in a competitive capacity.

A 21-time All-Star and 13-time All-NBA First Team selection, James is set to resume the chase for a fifth ring alongside Luka Doncic, a surprise addition to the Lakers last season.

The Lakers have been playing well in his absence, and the NBA has enjoyed a significant ratings boost while he remains sidelined.

It will be interesting to see what sort of impact he will have on both team chemistry and national viewership once he returns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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