The Los Angeles Lakers have given given LeBron James the okay to make the next step in his injury recovery.
James has yet to appear in a game this season because of sciatica. He has been on the bench for Lakers games, but he hasn’t played yet. Without James on the court, the Lakers have still been able to be a top-four team in the West, sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings.
Now, the Lakers have signaled the next move in James’ return to action. They have decided to assign him to their G-League affiliate so that he can have his first real practice of the NBA season.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers Assign LeBron James to G-League
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers have assigned James to G-League South Bay. He will participate in his first practice of the year, including his first five-on-five work. James still doesn’t have an official return date.
JJ Redick hinted that this move was coming this week, although he didn’t offer any specifics. James is 40 years old, so the Lakers are going to do whatever it takes to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Bringing him back slowly was always the plan.
Without James in the lineup, the Lakers still have a top-ten offense. Defensively, they’re in the bottom ten. They have allowed Doncic and Austin Reaves to run the show, and they have done so effectively. Adding James back into the fold will only make them better.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Lakers Have Shown They Can Operate Without LeBron James
James’ injury has given the Lakers a look at their future. They will soon be without James, as he will retire at some point. If James does decide to leave soon, whether in free agency or deciding to retire, the Lakers have proven they can operate just fine.
Los Angeles has been preparing for a future without James for the last few years. That’s why they made the trade for Luka Doncic, which got Nico Harrison fired. On the flip side, that trade may have given Rob Pelinka job security for years to come.
James will make sure that he is ready to go for April and May. The beginning part of the season is not important to him. LA has already weathered the storm without him in the lineup.
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