LeBron James took another meaningful step toward getting back on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers. He went through a full practice with the South Bay Lakers for the second straight day, and ESPNâs Dave McMenamin reported that he finished the session without any issues.
This stretch of work has been part of his return from the sciatica that kept him out of training camp and the opening portion of the season. The injury affected his lower back and right side and kept him away from regular team routines for an extended period.
Heâs been practicing with South Bay while the Lakers (8-4) finish a five-game road trip. Theyâre moving through the middle of that swing, with New Orleans next on the schedule and Milwaukee waiting after that. Getting consistent court time with the affiliate has allowed him to stay active while the main roster stays on the road.
People who were inside the gym told ESPN that the most recent session had a strong tempo and that the live segments gave James the kind of reps he has been missing. He hasnât appeared in a game during the Lakersâ first portion of the season, so going through full five-on-five play marked his biggest bit of progress since the postseason.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) with head coach JJ Redick during a game last season.
Why This Step Matters For The Lakers
South Bay coach Zach Guthrie ran Thursdayâs practice, and James remained a full participant throughout each segment, according to ESPN. The Lakers are scheduled to hold a team practice in El Segundo after wrapping up the trip. If James maintains this pace, the possibility of him rejoining the main roster early next week becomes more realistic, with upcoming home and road dates against the Utah Jazz providing natural checkpoints.
Jamesâ ability to complete back-to-back practices without discomfort suggests that the recovery window is trending in the right direction. The Lakers have been working through early-season adjustments, and having him return to basketball activity helps stabilize their internal timeline.
Practicing with the G League affiliate has also allowed him to stay connected to the larger organization while the Lakers have been on the road. Jamesâ presence on the court again signals movement toward a more complete roster. The Lakers are currently fifth in the loaded Western Conference.
GettyLeBron 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.
What Comes Next For LeBron James And The Lakers
The next stage centers on how his body responds over the weekend. The gap between the two games against the Jazz may also work in Jamesâ favor because it creates space for controlled workload increases.
Coaches and training staff can use that upcoming stretch to monitor how he handles different drill formats, extended shooting segments, and additional scrimmage time. Each day helps determine whether he is ready to take the next leap toward live NBA action.
South Bayâs practices played a key role in his recovery arc, but transitioning back to the main roster will offer the clearest read on his readiness. The Lakers continue preparing for the next wave of Western Conference competition, and Jamesâ steady progress gives them a reason to build out practice plans that account for his possible return.
The Lakers are also hopeful to get rookie Adou Thiero in action, as he has not made his debut with the team yet.
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