While the Los Angeles Lakers may have started the 2025-2026 NBA season well, the continued absence of LeBron James from the lineup is a topic of debate and discussion across the NBA world.
After all, the four-time NBA champion and league’s all-time leading scorer was expected to make history this season, merely by suiting up for Year 23 of his illustrious career, something that no other player has ever been able to accomplish.
Unfortunately, a sciatic back injury forced James to remain on the sidelines as the Lakers began their push into the season. Although the team is doing relatively well under the leadership of Luka Dončić, with a 10-4 record, each loss has fans wondering if James’s presence over the past 14 games could have positively affected the outcome for the Lakers.
LeBron James Has Finally Rejoined the Lakers’ Scrimmages and Training
Upon hearing that James was dealing with a sciatic injury, fans were unsure how to feel. After all, there is no real treatment for this particular issue, meaning that only time and rest could aid James’ return to action.
Dončić, as well as Austin Reaves, did their best to hold down the fort for the Lakers in James’ absence. They have been relatively successful in doing the same. However, there is no denying that this team will be even better when a healthy James returns to the lineup.
According to senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Lakers star has been cleared to return to team practice after playing for the G league, something that fans may not have known James was doing on the sidelines.
LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday, sources tell ESPN. James completed multiple days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions this week in the G League and his debut is nearing.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2025
“LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday, sources tell ESPN. James completed multiple days of practices and 5-on-5 sessions this week in the G League and his debut is nearing.”
While some critics may argue that James’ return could hinder the Lakers’ success and dynamic with Dončić as the focal point of the offense, the fact remains that James averaged an impressive 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season.
Although the Lakers are performing well, they will be even better if James can recover and regain full form. Given that the Western Conference is filled with talented competitors looking to win an NBA championship, the Lakers need James at full strength to improve their own title chances.
Perhaps it may be unfair to place expectations on James at this point in his career. However, the Lakers’ fan base continues to hope that he will rejoin the team and aid their attempts at winning another title.
