Few NBA players have ever been able to match the pace of LeBron James, and even fewer have sustained it for over two decades. The Los Angeles Lakers star has maintained an elite level of play even as his career enters its twilight, all in the pursuit of another championship before he retires.
However, unexpected health issues have kept James off the court longer than anticipated. While the Lakers have a superstar in Luka Dončić to carry the load, fans and the organization are eagerly awaiting an update on the veteran icon’s return.
What Is the Latest on LeBron James’ Recovery?
Before the 2025-26 NBA season began, reports surfaced that James was suffering from sciatica. The nerve issue persisted throughout the summer, ultimately causing him to miss the start of the season.
While James is now back to practicing, there is still no firm timeline for his return to NBA action. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, during a recent media appearance, provided some positive updates on James’s health. “Uh, yeah, he was able to participate in the practice,” Redick said. “Got up and down a little bit with some like…warmup transitions, drills, and then progressed to 5v5…Reports are that he looked good and he was moving well.”
Redick also highlighted the experience for the G-League staff, noting that playing with James was an excellent opportunity for them. He added that James handled a decent number of possessions, which made the practice a success overall.
ALSO READ: LeBron James’ Suspected Influence Looms Over Arizona As Tommy Lloyd Teases Redshirting Bryce James
However, when asked if James would practice with the full Lakers squad on Monday, Redick remained noncommittal. “I mean…that’s four days away, so I have no idea on that,” he said. “We’re going to practice, I’ll tell you that, but I don’t know if he’ll be a part of it.”
Despite the uncertainty around his return to team practices, any physical activity on the court is a positive sign for the 40-year-old superstar. The Lakers will likely not rush James’ recovery, instead opting to give him more time to fully rehabilitate.
Could This Injury Affect James’ Retirement Timeline?
In a conversation with DJ Siddiqi of Forbes.com, Danny Green, a former teammate of James, offered a realistic perspective on the sciatica issue. According to Green, this injury could accelerate James’s decision to retire, possibly after this season.
“Maybe one more year,” Green explained. “Depending on how his body reacts, I know sciatica is no joke. I’ve seen some people, my coach had it in college, and coach (Roy) Williams might have had sciatica. Depending on how bad it is, it can really mess you up. I know if his body’s telling him, I wouldn’t be surprised halfway through the year he’s saying, ‘This is my last year.’ But if not this year, he’s got one more year. I think he retires a Laker.”
Of course, like many fans, Green believes that whenever James decides to hang up his jersey, he will ultimately retire as a Lakers. For now, however, a definitive timeline for James’ return to the court remains unclear.
