LeBron James shook up the Lakers’ week by stepping onto the practice floor with the South Bay Lakers, creating a rare moment for a G League group that never expected to share drills with a future Hall of Famer. His brief tuneup before a likely return against the Utah Jazz offered the clearest signal yet that the four-time MVP feels close to finishing his recovery from a sciatica injury that kept him out of training camp, the preseason, and the early regular season.
The sight of James in the G League gym set off a ripple of excitement, but South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie captured the moment best when he described what the experience meant to his players, per Sports Illustrated. “To have the greatest player of all time join your practice, first and foremost, what an opportunity for each and every one of us to be a part of it,” Guthrie said. He added that being “a small part of his journey, his 23rd season, getting him back to health and getting him back to playing where he should be playing with the Lakers” created an energy few practices ever bring.
James continued his ramp up on Monday when he practiced with the main roster for the first time this season. The Lakers hope he clears the final hurdle tonight.
South Bay Players Took Cues From How LeBron Prepared
Guthrie knew the basketball benefits of having James join practice, but he also pointed out how valuable the developmental side could be for young players watching one of the greatest competitors sharpen himself.
“For all of our guys, what an unbelievable experience,” Guthrie said. He told players to study “the two days of practice” and pay attention to James’ approach. “Look at how he is the first one in. How he approaches it. How his mind is completely locked in. Completely dialed.” Guthrie described how James’ pre and post practice work stood out and how his focus on body maintenance impressed everyone in the gym.
The Lakers expect those habits to leave a mark on South Bay’s group as they continue their season. For James, the goal remained simple. He wanted to build rhythm and test his back in controlled environments before stepping into the Lakers’ first five-on-five action of the year.
After the South Bay stretch ended, James turned his attention to rejoining the Lakers, who sit at 10–4 and hold fourth place in the Western Conference. His return could come as early as tonight.
LeBron Targets Season Debut vs Jazz After Full Lakers Practice
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James aims to make his season debut on Tuesday night at home against the Utah Jazz, per USA Today. He completed his first full Lakers practice on Monday after spending the previous week with the G League affiliate. Charania noted that James “wants to make his season debut tonight” and plans to follow his typical game day routine, which includes his nap and pre-game on-court warmup before a final decision.
James has not played in an NBA-organized five-on-five environment since the first round of the playoffs in April, yet his recent sessions created no reported setbacks. The Lakers listed him as questionable, though the tone around the team points toward optimism.
Once he steps on the floor, James will stand alone as the first player to compete in 23 NBA seasons. The Lakers endured a mixed road trip prior to his return, but they closed with wins over the Pelicans and Bucks, creating momentum right as LeBron James prepares to rejoin the lineup.
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