The Los Angeles Lakers have cleared LeBron James to start practicing, as he recovers from sciatica. James’ injury has held him back this season, causing him to miss the Lakers’ training camp and preseason games. Additionally, the four-time champion has missed the first 12 games of the 2025-26 campaign, including Wednesday’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Lakers cleared James to participate in practice. However, he didn’t practice with the team since he wasn’t part of the five-game road trip. Instead, he joined the team’s G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported ahead that the four-time NBA MVP was set to have a full practice for the first time, including 5-on-5 play.
Before the Lakers took on the defending champions, head coach JJ Redick gave a positive update on the star forward’s progress.
Redick relayed the update he received from the G-League team regarding LeBron James.
“Reports are that he looked good and he was moving well,” the head coach told reporters.
“Reports are that he looked good and he was moving well.” JJ Redick on LeBron James’ practice with the South Bay Lakers of the G League today. pic.twitter.com/FTC77hGCHw
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 13, 2025
This is the first time that James has missed the start of the regular season. It ended his 22-year streak of playing during season openers.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they have Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The deadly offensive-driven backcourt of LA has willed them to an 8-3 record. Doncic has suited up for seven games, averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists on 49.1% shooting. Reaves, on the other hand, is averaging 30.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg and nine apg through eight games.
Redick stated that James is unlikely to return while the Lakers are traveling, which ends on November 15. The team’s first game back in Crypto.com Arena will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Richard Jefferson believes LeBron James doesn’t need to adjust playing alongside Doncic and Reaves
Given how well Doncic and Reaves have performed thus far this season, some believe LeBron James’ return could ruin the Lakers’ dynamic. However, his former teammate, Richard Jefferson, believes it won’t be the case once James comes back from injury. On Tuesday’s episode of “Road Trippin’,” Jefferson said that the league’s all-time leading scorer is the “ultimate chess piece,” and will figure out his fit with LA’s backcourt.
“At the end of the day, Austin [Reaves], outstanding. Austin’s playing great. He’s gotta adjust to Bron. Luka is the one person that doesn’t have to adjust to Bron,” Jefferson said.
“LeBron James is the ultimate chess piece. He’s figured it out with AD, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Kyrie… He’s figured it out with nine Hall of Famers. He can figure it out with Austin Reaves and Luka.”
The Lakers could be a scary matchup this season once James returns and the team’s backcourt stays consistent.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
