LeBron James has moved closer to rejoining the Los Angeles Lakers, taking part in full-contact five-on-five drills with the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday. Head coach JJ Redick said the session benefited both the 40-year-old forward and the G League affiliate. “The reports are that he looked good, and was moving well,” Redick told reporters.
James practiced again with South Bay on Thursday and showed no lingering issues, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Team sources indicated the 20-year veteran could practice with the NBA club on Monday if he remains pain-free after battling right-side sciatica.
Lakers Struggle, Doncic Motivated
The Lakers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 29 points on Wednesday, a game in which Luka Doncic finished with a season-low 19 points on 7-of-20 shooting. “Definitely wasn’t our best game, probably one of the worst this season,” the star guard said. “They’re champions for a reason. We need to be more ready. It starts with me.”
Thiero Nears Possible Debut
Rookie forward Adou Thiero is listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup in New Orleans. Selected 36th overall in the 2025 draft, the 21-year-old has not yet appeared in an NBA game after undergoing left knee surgery during his college season. Redick previously expressed hope Thiero could return before the current road trip ends Sunday in Milwaukee.
Clippers Find Spark in Young Reserves
The Los Angeles Clippers have opened 3-8 and dropped six straight, but recent performances from their bench have offered encouragement. Second-year guard Cam Christie impressed in late-week games against Phoenix, while Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders earned rotation minutes in Wednesday’s loss to Denver. Miller, a third-year wing, delivered a career-best 22 points and four rebounds in 26 minutes.
“I thought they came in, gave us a lot of energy,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “They’re going to make some mistakes, but I loved the way they played. The ball moved, guys got open shots, we attacked the paint, made the right play. Tonight was a step in the right direction.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
