Lakers Receive Positive Update on LeBron James' Injury
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania shared the latest on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as he prepares for a near return following injury. James, 40, has not played this season due to sciatica affecting his right side. He is taking a careful approach as he aims to extend his remarkable career into a 23rd NBA season.
Lakers' Performance Without James
Despite James' absence, the Lakers have been performing solidly, managing to stay competitive in the league. However, anticipation grows as fans and team members look forward to his comeback on the court.
Next Steps for LeBron James
In a recent ESPN NBA Today appearance, Shams Charania outlined the next phase of James' recovery and integration back into the team:
- LeBron has been training individually.
- The next step involves participating in 5-on-5 live play workouts.
- He will not join the Lakers on their upcoming five-game road trip starting in Atlanta.
- It remains uncertain when James will engage in live team play during the road trip — possibilities include practicing with the G League South Bay team or waiting until the Lakers return on November 16.
“LeBron James has been working out individually, and I'm told that the next step for him is 5-on-5 live play,” said Charania. “He will not be traveling on the upcoming five-game week-long road trip that starts in Atlanta this weekend. So, it's unclear when he will be able to get that live action while the team is on the road, potentially doing it with the G League South Bay team or do the Lakers and LeBron wait for the team to get back on November 16 and then the live play process can begin then.”
The exact timing for James to rejoin full team play is still uncertain as his rehab progresses.
Summary
LeBron James is progressing steadily in his recovery with 5-on-5 workouts as the next step, though his full return timeline remains uncertain as the Lakers continue competing without him.