Overview
- Head coach JJ Redick said James progressed from warmup drills to half-court five-on-five and completed about 12–15 live possessions with South Bay.
- The Lakers announced he is cleared for contact basketball activity and will be reevaluated by team physicians in approximately one to two weeks.
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reported sources said James looked and felt great in his first full practice and is targeting mid to late November, pending how he responds.
- Los Angeles confirmed he would not play against the Thunder on Wednesday, with the earliest realistic return identified as Nov. 18 at home against the Jazz and all dates remaining tentative.
- The Lakers have opened 8–3 behind standout performances from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, supporting a measured approach to James’ record 23rd-season debut.