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2h ago

LeBron James Cleared for Contact, Set to Practice With South Bay Lakers as Return Nears

A scheduled G League workout will supply the live reps the Lakers want ahead of a potential mid‑November clearance.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: (L-R) LeBron James, Luka Doncic , Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on February 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of the basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 10, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James poses in the Arizona Wildcats jersey of his son Bryce James (6) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Lakers said on Nov. 6 that James progressed to contact basketball activity and would be reevaluated in one to two weeks.
  • Coach JJ Redick confirmed James is slated to practice with the South Bay Lakers later this week, after clarifying he misspoke about it happening Monday.
  • James did not travel on the five‑game road trip, and multiple reports point to an earliest possible game return on Nov. 18 with a projected window through Nov. 23 if ramp‑up goes smoothly.
  • Los Angeles has opened 8–3 without him, with Luka Dončić leading at an MVP level and saying, "We can't wait" for James to rejoin the lineup.
  • When he plays this season, James will set an NBA record with a 23rd season, and his expiring deal continues to draw attention even as Rob Pelinka says he expects him to retire a Laker.