Coby White Set to Make Season Debut; LeBron James Rejoins Lakers Practice; KJ Martin Signs in China
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Chicago — Bulls guard Coby White is scheduled to play Sunday night in Utah, ending a three-week absence caused by a strained right calf suffered in mid-August. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the plan, and the Bulls later confirmed it. White, who experienced a preseason setback, has been steadily ramping up workouts. Chicago is 6-5 without the 24-year-old but has dropped five of its last six games after starting 5-0. Guard Josh Giddey has also missed several of those contests.
Los Angeles — LeBron James has been recalled from the South Bay Lakers and will take part in the Lakers’ full practice on Monday, according to Charania. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer completed at least two five-on-five sessions with the G League affiliate and “came out of it feeling good,” per the report. It will be his first practice with the Lakers in the 2025-26 season after missing training camp, the preseason and the first 14 games because of right-side sciatica. Dan Woike of The Athletic notes James could suit up as early as Tuesday against Utah, which would mark his record 23rd NBA season. Los Angeles is 10-4 in his absence. James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last year and opted into a $52.6 million player option; he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Ningbo, China — Free-agent forward KJ Martin has agreed to join the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association, reports Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. The 24-year-old, selected 52nd overall in the 2020 draft, has appeared in 309 NBA games with career averages of 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds on 54.5 percent shooting. After three seasons with Houston, Martin had brief stints with the Clippers, 76ers and Jazz before Utah waived him in September. This will be his first professional stop outside the United States as he looks to reset his career.
Source: Hoops Wire
