Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, still sidelined by sciatica in his lower back and right side, is expected to move from individual workouts to full-contact 5-on-5 sessions as the next phase of his rehabilitation, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday.
Sources said James will remain in Southern California while the Lakers embark on a five-game trip against Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Milwaukee. During that stretch, the club’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, will hold practices at the team’s El Segundo facility, though it is not yet known whether the 40-year-old will participate with the minor-league squad or wait for the NBA roster to return.
If his recovery continues on schedule, the earliest James could suit up is Nov. 18, when Los Angeles hosts the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
Coach outlines loose timeline
Head coach JJ Redick said last week that the organization is aiming for a return in the second or third week of November, emphasizing that James must clear every step in the league’s return-to-play protocol before a firm date is set.
Thursday marks four weeks since the Lakers announced James’ diagnosis on Oct. 9, at which time the club projected a three-to-four-week reevaluation window. Los Angeles has opened the season 6-2 without its leading scorer.
Whenever James makes his season debut, he will become the first player in NBA history to appear in a 23rd season.
Source: ESPN
