LeBron James has officially entered the final stage of his ramp-up toward an NBA return. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar completed his first full 5-on-5 contact practice as part of his assignment with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, marking the most significant benchmark yet in his recovery from sciatic nerve irritation on his right side.
Shams Charania: ‘LeBron Looked Great, Felt Great’
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James’ controlled scrimmage session with the Lakers’ G League affiliate went as well as the team could have hoped.
“LeBron James went through his first full practice of the season — and, most importantly, his first five-on-five action — as he works toward returning from sciatica on his right side,” Charania said Wednesday on NBA Today.
“Sources told me this afternoon that LeBron looked great and felt great during that session. He moved well and showed no lingering issues as he continues to recover from the nerve problem.”
It is the first confirmation that the 40-year-old superstar has cleared the most essential step necessary before returning to NBA game action.
Target Window Emerges for LeBron’s 23rd Season Debut
James, who turns 41 in December, now has a realistic timeline for his 23rd NBA season — a historic milestone for one of basketball’s greatest players.
“My understanding right now is that LeBron is motivated and eager to get back on the court, potentially by mid to late this month, as the Lakers evaluate him day by day,” Charania added.
The Lakers are currently in the middle of a five-game road trip and will not return home until November 18, when they host the Utah Jazz. That is the earliest possible date for James’ return.
If he requires more ramp-up time, the next likely return date is November 25, when the Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. James is considered unlikely to debut on the road on November 23 in Utah.
“It will depend on how he feels tonight and tomorrow — specifically how his body responds to the intensity of his first full-contact practices,” Charania said. “He’ll need a few more sessions under his belt before making his official return.”
Lakers Thriving Without LeBron — For Now
Despite James’ extended absence, the Lakers have started the season impressively at 8–3, currently the third-best record in the Western Conference.
The surge has been fueled by Austin Reaves, who is playing at an All-Star level, and Luka Dončić, who is off to a historic start.
Reaves is averaging a career-best 30.3 points and 9.0 assists, while Dončić is also averaging a career-high 37.1 points with 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists.
James’ return is expected to further stabilize the roster and elevate the team’s offensive ceiling.
Injury Updates: Gabe Vincent, Adou Thiero Making Progress
The Lakers’ injury news extended beyond James on Wednesday.
According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, point guard Gabe Vincent (sprained right ankle) is traveling with the team and “progressing” toward his return. Head coach JJ Redick said Vincent has “significantly increased intensity” in his on-court, non-contact workouts with assistant coach Lindsay Harding.
Redick added that Vincent feels good and is “hopefully” closer to the early end of his 2–4 week timetable.
Vincent last played on October 26, contributing three points in 19 minutes against the Sacramento Kings.
Rookie forward Adou Thiero has also ramped up his workload as he moves toward his eventual NBA debut.
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