LeBron James Nears Return as Lakers Monitor Sciatica Recovery
The Lakers star continues individual workouts in Los Angeles as he works toward live practice participation, with his return expected later this month.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James’ comeback from a lingering sciatica issue appears to be moving in the right direction. The 40-year-old Lakers star has been ramping up his individual workouts, focusing on strengthening his lower back and right side, according to reports. The next major step in his recovery will be participating in full 5-on-5 practice sessions, a key indicator that game action is near.
Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that James will remain in Los Angeles during the Lakers’ upcoming five-game road trip, which includes stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee. The veteran forward will continue his rehab and conditioning under team supervision at the practice facility in El Segundo.
While the Lakers travel, their G League affiliate — the South Bay Lakers — will practice at the same site. It remains uncertain whether James will join those sessions to simulate team activity or wait for the main roster’s return. Either way, team officials are encouraged by his progress and his consistent work ethic throughout the recovery process.
If James continues on schedule, the earliest possible return date is projected to be November 18, when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. That game could mark another milestone in James’ illustrious career.
1. Redick Preaches Patience With Recovery Timeline
First-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who has managed the team’s 6–2 start without James, has remained cautious about setting a firm return date. “Obviously, this thing has to continue to progress with all of his return-to-play protocols,” Redick told reporters last week. “We don’t have, like, a target date. It’s just somewhere in that general timeline. We hope that he’s checked all the boxes and is going to be back sometime in that second or third week in November.” The team’s medical staff has emphasized a deliberate approach given the nature of sciatica, which can cause radiating pain, numbness, and weakness along the back and legs. Managing symptoms while maintaining flexibility and mobility has been the central focus of James’ recovery regimen. Thursday will officially mark four weeks since the Lakers announced the diagnosis on October 9. At the time, the organization stated that James would be reevaluated in three to four weeks, a timeline that has aligned with his current progress. The reevaluation period will help determine whether he can safely increase his workload to include contact drills and live play. Redick, who has spoken frequently about the importance of veteran leadership, said the team is prepared to be patient if it means ensuring James’ long-term health through the grueling NBA schedule. “We’re not rushing anything,” he added. “He’s too important to what we do.”
2. Lakers Finding Their Rhythm Without Their Star
Despite the absence of their leader, the Lakers have thrived in the early going. With a 6–2 record, Los Angeles currently sits near the top of the Western Conference standings, fueled by balanced scoring and improved team defense. Luka Dončić has taken on the primary playmaking duties in James’ stead, while Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves have added energy and consistency to the rotation. The team’s depth has allowed Redick to experiment with lineups and rest other veterans as needed. Players such as Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt have stepped up on both ends, providing a glimpse of the roster’s potential once James returns. Still, teammates acknowledge that the dynamic changes significantly when the future Hall of Famer is on the court. “LeBron brings everything — leadership, control, poise,” Smart said after Monday’s win. “We’re holding it down until he’s back, but when he is, everything just clicks differently.” James’ return will not only boost the Lakers’ offense but also mark a historic achievement. When he next takes the floor, he will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons — a testament to his longevity, durability, and unmatched dedication to the game.
3. The Final Stretch Before History
As James moves closer to rejoining his teammates, his focus remains on returning at full strength rather than meeting a specific date. Team insiders have described his daily regimen as “methodical,” centered around core stability, flexibility, and gradual reintroduction to game-level movements. For a player who has built a career on durability, the patience required by this recovery has been both a challenge and a reminder of his veteran status. Yet those close to the situation insist James has handled it with professionalism, maintaining a strong presence in team meetings and film sessions even while sidelined. The Lakers’ cautious optimism reflects their understanding of the long season ahead. With early momentum and depth proving reliable, there is no immediate pressure to rush James back. The organization’s priority remains ensuring that he returns ready to sustain another deep playoff run. Whether his comeback happens on November 18 or later, James’ return will carry both practical and symbolic significance — another milestone in one of the most enduring careers in sports history.