Lakers’ LeBron James Finally Taking Major Step Toward Return

Oct 12, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) looks on from the bench during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has missed the entire 2025-26 season so far with sciatica in his right side, however is taking a big step towards his return.

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Head coach JJ Redick revealed James would practice with the G League's South Bay Lakers on Monday, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register.

As part of a response to a question about Nick Smith Jr., JJ Redick said that LeBron James will practice with the South Bay Lakers today.

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 10, 2025

The Lakers announced James' injury Oct. 9, stating they would re-evaluate the forward later in the month. With his progression, James is growing ever closer to a return during his estimated four-to-six week return window.

James has been a key player for the Lakers since his arrival ahead of the 2018-19 season, and was the focal point of the team for a long time. He is averaging 26.6 points per game in purple and gold, logging 7.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per night. James is set to start his 23rd NBA season upon his return to the Lakers, which would mark an NBA record.

LA Without LeBron James

Despite his absence, though, the Lakers have performed extremely well without him. They currently hold sole possession of fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 7-3.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have stepped up in the veteran's absence, and both players are averaging more than 30 points per game this season. Reaves currently ranks fourth in the NBA with 31.1 points per game. Doncic doesn't qualify for the statistical leaderboards due to a minor injury which kept him out for a few games, however he is averaging 37.0 points a night.

New arrival Jake LaRavia has been a surprise contributor through the early portion of the Lakers' season, turning in a couple of monster performances during the brief absence of Luka Doncic.

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The Lakers are sure to improve with James' return, whenever it may be, and will hope he can return to the floor before the end of the month. Until then, they'll look to maintain their stop near the top of the Western Conference and close the gap on the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, who have a record of 10-1.

The Lakers will look to improve to 8-3 on Monday, when they travel to face the Charlotte Hornets at 4:00 p.m. PT.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.