Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James took part in a second straight practice with the South Bay Lakers on Thursday and again reported no pain, sources told ESPN. The workout marked his second five-on-five session in as many days and the first time he has strung together full-contact practices since the opening round of last season’s playoffs more than six months ago.
James, 40, has missed the first several weeks of the 2025-26 season while recovering from sciatica on his right side. The Lakers assigned him to their G League affiliate earlier this week to ramp up his conditioning in a controlled setting. A source who attended Wednesday’s workout described it as “intense” as the four-time MVP prepares to become the first player in NBA history to appear in a 23rd season.
South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie ran Thursday’s practice, during which James completed the full live 5-on-5 portion without any soreness in his lower back or right side, according to the report.
Los Angeles (8-4) has a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday, and James is not expected to play in either game. The team will hold its next practice Monday in El Segundo, and James could rejoin the NBA roster if he continues to progress over the weekend, sources said. The Lakers host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, then do not play again until a Nov. 23 road meeting—also against Utah—providing a light schedule that could ease his return.
Doncic Responds After Mavericks Dismiss GM Nico Harrison
Elsewhere around the league, Luka Doncic addressed the firing of Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who engineered the February deal that sent the All-Star guard to the Lakers. Dallas fans had loudly called for Harrison’s ouster, and owner Patrick Dumont dismissed the executive earlier this week. After Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic remained diplomatic when asked about the move, saying he was focused on basketball amid a difficult stretch.
Source: Lakers Nation
