NBA news: LeBron James takes major step towards return with G League practice

LeBron James moved closer to his long-awaited return on Wednesday, November 12 as he joined the South Bay Lakers - the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, for his first full practice of the season.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has been sidelined throughout the team’s first 11 games while recovering from sciatica affecting his right side.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed before the team’s match-up against the Oklahoma City Thunder that James was able to take part in transition drills before progressing to five-on-five halfcourt play.

He reportedly logged about a dozen possessions of full-contact action.

Redick described the session as valuable not only for James but also for the South Bay squad, calling it a unique opportunity for their young players to share the floor with one of the greatest to ever play.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo outlines the timeline for James’ potential return.

Positive reports from the session

According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, James both looked and felt strong throughout the workout.

He showed no visible signs of discomfort and moved freely during the scrimmages.

Charania added that James is highly motivated and eager to return, with the Lakers evaluating him daily as he builds toward a comeback later this month.

This was also his first five-on-five participation since the end of last season, marking a significant milestone in his recovery process.

The Lakers had announced earlier in November that the 40-year-old forward had been cleared for basketball activities, signaling that he was nearing readiness for live-game action.

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A cautionary return

James missed the entirety of pre-season play and has not yet appeared in a regular-season game for the 2025-26 campaign.

The team has been patient with his recovery, targeting mid-to-late November for a potential return.

How he responds to the increased intensity of practice sessions will determine when he officially returns to the line-up.

The Lakers currently sit at 8-4 without their veteran star, with notable performances from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura helping fill the void.

Their next stretch includes a home game against the Utah Jazz on November 18, followed by another meeting with the Jazz on the road on November 23, and then a home clash against the Los Angeles Clippers a week later.

Aiming for a historic season

James is preparing to embark on his NBA-record 23rd season, a milestone that further cements his longevity and legacy in the league.

Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, continuing to deliver elite production even in his 40s.

If his recovery continues smoothly, fans could soon witness his return to the Lakers’ line-up, marking another chapter in a career that has defied time, expectation, and the limits of endurance.

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