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LeBron James Cleared for Contact as Lakers Set 1–2 Week Re-Evaluation

The Lakers will keep him home for live 5-on-5 work under a checkpoint-based plan before setting a return date.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a Laker foul during a 118-116 Los Angeles Lakers win over the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on November 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Nov 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring the basket and drawing the foul against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) and son Bronny James watch from the bench in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The team said James has progressed to contact basketball activity and will be re-evaluated by physicians in approximately 1–2 weeks.
  • The next step is live 5-on-5, and he will not travel on the upcoming five-game road trip that begins in Atlanta.
  • Reporting indicates he could get live action with the South Bay Lakers or in controlled scrimmages at the team facility.
  • A mid-November debut is viewed as plausible, with Nov. 18 vs. Utah cited as the earliest realistic target, but JJ Redick says no firm date is set.
  • Los Angeles is 7–2 with a five-game win streak, highlighted by Luka Dončić’s 40.0-point average and strong play from Austin Reaves, and James’ return would begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season as his missed games could impact award eligibility under the 65-game rule.