TITLE: LeBron James Set for Full Practice Monday as Season Debut Approaches
SLUG: lebron-james-season-debut-nearing
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been recalled from his brief stint with the South Bay Lakers and is scheduled to take part in full practice with the parent club on Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
The 40-year-old forward logged at least two practices with the G League affiliate in recent days, including full-contact five-on-five sessions, and emerged without any physical setbacks. Monday will mark his first workout with the Lakers this season.
James has been sidelined since training camp due to sciatica on his right side, missing the preseason and Los Angeles’ first 14 games. Charania previously noted that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was targeting a mid-November return, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently indicated that his debut could come as early as Tuesday against Utah.
When he steps on the court, James will become the first player to appear in 23 NBA seasons. The Lakers have started 10-4 in his absence.
Despite turning 40, James remained productive in 2024-25, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal across 70 games while shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three and 78.2% at the line. He earned his 21st consecutive All-NBA and All-Star selections last season, records that may be threatened by the league’s new 65-game minimum for awards.
James opted into his $52.6 million player option over the summer. Armed with a no-trade clause, he is on track to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Source: Hoops Rumors
