LeBron James practicing with the G League affiliate South Bay Lakers is headline news for a reason. The 40-year-old superstar has not played or practiced with the Los Angeles Lakers this season due to sciatica, a nerve injury developed near training camp.

The organization, led by new head coach JJ Redick, has signaled that working out with South Bay is a controlled way for James to test his conditioning and game-readiness without the risk of full-speed NBA action.

It's a rarely seen move for a player of James' stature, underlining how both James and the Lakers prioritize his long-term health in his record 23rd season in the league.​

The Medical Approach and Recovery Process

The choice to rehab alongside G League players is strategic. James was recently cleared for contact basketball activities after weeks of solo rehab and progressive workouts.

The team’s medical staff opted for a gradual ramp-up: first private workouts, then full-contact practice in a lower-stakes environment, before rejoining the main roster.

With the Lakers on a tough road swing and James not traveling, G League sessions ensure he gets high-level, supervised repetition while protecting his back from aggravation. His timeline remains open-ended, with the Lakers targeting a full-strength return rather than rushing his debut.​

A Lakers Team Holding Steady

As James eyes his return, the Lakers have maintained an impressive 8-3 record despite missing James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves for periods this season.

Redick and the Lakers staff credit team depth and resilience, but acknowledge that James' presence dynamically alters both ends of the floor. LeBron’s South Bay workouts are considered the clearest signal yet that his long-awaited return could materialize within the coming weeks, particularly with a home game scheduled for November 18 against Utah.

While the Lakers exercise patience, fans and teammates alike await the moment James takes the floor for an NBA-record 23rd campaign.