LeBron James returning to Lakers after G League practice stint as season debut nears

Lakers star LeBron James is one step closer to making his season debut. 

James, who missed all of training camp with a lower back injury, returned to the Lakers Sunday after a brief stint with the team’s G League affiliate and is expected to practice Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

James, 40, participated in several practices with the South Bay Lakers and played 5-on-5 scrimmages since he was assigned to the G League team as part of his next step in his rehabilitation process. ESPN, citing sources, reported that James “looked good” and “moved well.” 

LeBron James has yet to make his season debut. Getty Images

James has been sidelined because of sciatica, which is affecting his lower back and right side of his body. The Lakers announced Oct. 9 that he would miss at least three to four weeks after missing all of the preseason. 

It’s been about 5 ½ weeks since that announcement and James appears to be progressing well. ESPN reported that James is no longer experiencing any lingering soreness from the injury. 

(L-R) LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart follow the game from the bench against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

It seems likely that James’ debut is imminent, though it remains unclear in which game it’ll happen. 

Whenever it happens, though, James will add another record to his illustrious career as he’ll become the only player to have a career span 23 seasons. 

The Lakers are scheduled to host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday before having a rare four-day break. They’re slated to tip off a stretch of three games in six days, which would start Sunday in Utah. 

Without James, the Lakers have opened the season 10-4 and are currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference standings.