Overview
- James completed his first full 5-on-5 Lakers practice of the season on Nov. 17 after missing training camp, preseason and the first 14 games with sciatica.
- Lakers coach JJ Redick called his availability TBD, with a decision expected after monitoring his response through shootaround and recovery.
- James said the choice to play hinges on how his body responds over the next 24-plus hours and acknowledged his conditioning still needs work.
- As part of his ramp-up, he logged multiple full-contact sessions with the South Bay Lakers before rejoining the main roster.
- A potential debut would begin his record 23rd NBA season for a 10-4 Lakers team that has held up well behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.