Lakers star LeBron James is one step closer to his season debut.
James, who missed all of training camp due to a lower back injury, returned to the Lakers on Sunday after a brief stint with the team’s G League affiliate and is expected to practice on Monday. ESPN CEO Shams Charania reports this.
James, 40, has participated in several practices with the South Bay Lakers and played 5-on-5 scrimmages since being assigned to the G League team as part of his next step in his rehabilitation process. ESPN reported, citing sources, that James “looked good” and “moved well.”
James has been sidelined with sciatica, which affects his lower back and right side of his body. The Lakers announced on October 9 that he would miss at least three to four weeks after missing the entire preseason.
It’s been about 5.5 weeks since that announcement and it seems like James is making good progress. ESPN reported that James is no longer experiencing lingering pain from the injury.
It seems likely that James’ debut is imminent, although it remains unclear in which game this will happen.
However, when it does happen, James will add another record to his illustrious career as he becomes the only player with a career spanning 23 seasons.
The Lakers will host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday before getting a rare four-day break. They plan to complete a three-game stretch in six days, which would begin Sunday in Utah.
Without James, the Lakers have started the season 10–4 and currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
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