Forward LeBron James has yet to play in a game this season for the Los Angeles Lakers as he recuperates from a sciatica injury, but he seemingly inched closer to making his season debut on Wednesday.
James took part in his first full practice of the season, as he practiced with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Not only did James participate in five-on-five sessions, but he allegedly starred in them. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the NBA’s oldest active player both “looked great” and “felt great” in his return to practice.
JUST IN: LeBron James will participate in his first full practice of the season with the South Bay Lakers today 🙌
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/dSALCTrmoM
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 12, 2025
Details for NBA Today on LeBron James participating in his first full practice and five-on-five session of the Lakers season — with South Bay in the G League: pic.twitter.com/g4w79jxUaz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025
“So, LeBron James was assigned to the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, South Bay, and he went through his first practice of this NBA season,” he said. “And most critically, his first five-on-five action of the season as he works toward a debut from sciatica on the right side. Sources told me this afternoon that LeBron James looked great, felt great as he went through that practice. He moved well, and he didn’t show signs of any issues as he’s worked through this nerve issue on his right side.
“My understanding right now is that LeBron James is motivated and eager to get back out on the court, potentially here, mid-to-late this month. As the Lakers move forward here, evaluating him day by day, it’s going to be about how he feels tonight, how he feels tomorrow responding to the intensity of his first five-on-five, his first few practices. I would expect him to more under his belt before he makes his debut, of course, but this now starts the process of LeBron James making a return and debut for his historic 23rd NBA season.”
It’s historic that James is set to suit up in his 23rd pro season because that will mark the most campaigns anyone has played in NBA history. He’s currently in a tie with former All-Star Vince Carter for the record with 22 seasons at the highest level.
While the Lakers justifiably want James to be able to return to the court sooner rather than later because of all he brings to the table, they’ve done a great job of navigating this season with him on the shelf. Not only have the Lakers managed to keep their head above water, but they’ve been one of the best teams in the Western Conference up to this point. They are behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets in the standings with a strong 8-3 record.
Los Angeles has done all that winning with guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing some time due to injuries as well. Despite all of the team’s star power, it’s shown that it can win games by scoring the ball by committee on offense, and several members of its supporting cast have stepped up throughout the early part of the campaign.
The way the Lakers have held down the fort in James’ absence means that the 40-year-old shouldn’t rush himself to get back on the floor. It’s most important that he’s healthy for the start of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, as sans a player of his talent level, it’s hard to believe Los Angeles has what it takes to be the last team standing.