The Lakers superstar has progressed to full basketball activities after missing nine games, with reevaluation set for the coming weeks
The Los Angeles Lakers received encouraging news regarding their superstar forward as LeBron James has been cleared for contact during his recovery from sciatica. The announcement on Thursday represents a significant milestone in the rehabilitation process for the 40-year-old veteran who has missed the opening stretch of the season.
Major step forward in rehabilitation
According to ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers confirmed that James has progressed to contact basketball activity, marking an important advancement from his previous limited participation. The team plans to reevaluate the 21-time All-Star in one to two weeks, suggesting a potential return to game action could be on the horizon.
The development offers hope to Lakers fans who have watched their team navigate the early portion of the season without their leader on the floor. James has been sidelined for the first nine games of the 2025-26 campaign due to sciatica affecting his right side, a painful condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
Sitting out the road trip
Despite the positive progress, James will not be traveling with the Lakers for their upcoming five-game road trip scheduled from Nov. 8-15, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Instead, the four-time NBA MVP will remain behind to focus on individual workouts before transitioning to live five-on-five practice sessions with the team.
This cautious approach reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring James returns at full strength rather than rushing him back prematurely. At 40 years old and in his 23rd NBA season, managing his health carefully remains paramount for both his immediate recovery and long-term availability throughout the campaign.
Adjustments in the lineup
During James’ absence, the Lakers have been forced to make adjustments to their starting lineup and rotation. Several players have stepped into expanded roles, including Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Their contributions have proven crucial as the team works to maintain competitiveness without their primary playmaker and leader.
The situation has also provided opportunities for other Lakers to showcase their abilities and demonstrate the team’s depth. Players who might typically defer to James have taken on increased responsibilities in both scoring and facilitating the offense.
Impressive early season performance
Despite missing their superstar, the Lakers have exceeded expectations with their early season performance. The team currently holds a 7-2 record, positioning them as the second-best team in the Western Conference standings. This strong start has been particularly impressive given the absence of a player of James’ caliber and the significant role he typically plays in the team’s success.
The Lakers recently secured their biggest victory of the young season, edging out the San Antonio Spurs with a narrow 118-116 win at home. The close contest not only boosted team morale but also demonstrated the depth and talent across the roster. The victory showed that while the Lakers undoubtedly need James to contend for a championship, they possess enough quality to compete effectively during his absence.
Rising stars stepping up
The early success without LeBron has highlighted the emergence of other players stepping into leadership roles. Austin Reaves has been proving himself as a legitimate All-Star candidate, elevating his game in James’ absence and showing the ability to shoulder more offensive responsibility. His development has been crucial to the Lakers maintaining their winning record during this stretch.
The team’s ability to perform well without their star player serves as a testament to the hard work and determination of the entire roster. Players have embraced the challenge of filling the void left by James’ absence, creating a collective effort that has translated into victories.
The championship equation
While the Lakers have demonstrated resilience and capability without James, the reality remains that they will need a healthy LeBron to seriously contend for an NBA title. His performance last season was stellar, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game while continuing to defy Father Time with his sustained excellence.
As James continues progressing through his rehabilitation, Lakers fans eagerly await his return to the court. The combination of a healthy James and a roster that has proven it can win without him creates an intriguing dynamic for the remainder of the season.
Source: ESPN reporting from Dave McMenamin and Shams Charania