LeBron James Completes Second Straight G League Workout Without Setback
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LeBron James went through a full practice with the South Bay Lakers on Thursday without experiencing any lingering pain, sources told ESPN, marking his second consecutive day of on-court work after a six-month layoff.
The 40-year-old forward, who turns 41 in December, has been sidelined since the first round of last season’s playoffs while recovering from sciatica that affects his lower back and right side. He missed all of training camp and the Los Angeles Lakers’ first 12 regular-season games.
James joined the Lakers’ G League affiliate while the NBA club finishes a five-game trip that concludes against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. A source who observed Wednesday’s session described it as “intense” as the four-time MVP prepares to become the first player in league history to appear in a 23rd season.
During Thursday’s workout, led by South Bay coach Zach Guthrie, James again participated in 5-on-5 drills and completed the session without soreness in his back or right side, according to multiple sources.
The Lakers plan to practice Monday in El Segundo, California, after returning from the road. If his recovery continues to trend positively, James could rejoin the main roster for that session. Los Angeles hosts the Utah Jazz on Tuesday and does not play again until visiting Utah on Sunday.
In other South Bay news, the team acquired guard Kobe Bufkin from the Motor City Cruise in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick in the G League draft. The 6-foot-5 Bufkin was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA draft. South Bay waived guard Jace Carter to open a roster spot.
Source: ESPN
