LeBron James’ long-awaited season debut just took a meaningful step forward.
The Lakers star has been sidelined due to a sciatica issue on his right side, but logged his first full practice of the year with the South Bay Lakers
The early feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
With the Lakers on a five-game road swing, the 40-year-old has been working behind the scenes to regain live reps, Shams Charania reports.
“LeBron James was assigned to the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate South Bay and he went through his first practice of this NBA season and most critically, his first 5-on-5 action of the season as he works toward a debut from sciatica on the right side,” Shams says. “Sources told me this afternoon that LeBron James looked great, felt great as he went through that practice. He moved well and he didn’t show signs of any issues as he’s worked through this nerve issue on his right side. My understanding right now is that LeBron James is motivated and eager to get back out on the court, potentially here mid-to-late this month as the Lakers move forward here evaluating him day by day. It’s gonna be about how he feels tonight, how he feels tomorrow, responding to the intensity of his first 5-on-5, his first few practices. Would expect him to get more under his belt before he makes his debut, of course, but this now starts the process of LeBron James making a return and debut for his historic 23rd NBA season.”
For James, clearing this stage is a crucial milestone. The team has stressed caution from the start given the magnitude of a 23rd NBA season and the nature of nerve-related recovery.
The plan is for the superstar to practice again once the Lakers return home, and if his body responds well, a debut as early as November 18th against Utah remains in play.
READ MORE: Mavs Owner Patrick Dumont Pens Letter to Fans After Nico Harrison Firing