Overview
- James has missed the Lakers’ first 12 games with right-side sciatica that developed over the summer.
- He practiced five-on-five with the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday and Thursday, with the second workout described as “intense,” and reported no residual pain, per ESPN sources.
- No return date has been set; reporting indicates he is targeting this month, and he could join a Lakers practice Monday in El Segundo if progress continues, with Utah up next on Tuesday.
- Orthopedic spine expert Dr. Todd Albert told Newsweek the risk of re-herniation and potential nerve-related weakness keeps the timetable uncertain even after pain subsides.
- Los Angeles is 8-4 behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and Dwyane Wade said the team is not better without James despite the encouraging start.